Get your free copy of SCN's Integration Guide to Video Walls.

A Combination of Contemplation and ‘Wow’

The University of Virginia’s new Contemplative Commons features a large-format LED canvas—visible from the street—that shows nature scenes that complement the building entry. Learn about the technical challenges of an install where the video wall is seen as an architectural element within the space. Plus, read about a new video wall that’s helping to keep the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. alive.

At Issue

Industry experts from Absen, Datapath, JB&A, LynTec, Panasonic, Planar, Sharp, Sony, and VuWall | G&D explore how video walls are being used creatively in retail and hospitality environments.

Download the Integration Guide to Video Walls.

Read the March issue of Systems Contractor News.

Visix launched its EPS 37 e-paper desk sign and professional design services for e-paper displays. The EPS 37 replaces the EPS 27, featuring a larger 3.9x2.3x0.6-inch display that provides better visibility and accommodates more detailed booking information and design elements.

[E-Paper Makes Its Case as Digital Signage Option]

The new four-color sign joins Visix's existing four-color lineup (the EPS 42 desk sign and EPS 74 room sign), all of which now support custom graphic designs. Like all Visix e-paper solutions, these signs deliver exceptional value with wireless operation, 5-plus year battery life, and a 10-year expected service life. Now they're enhanced with four-color graphics that bring brand identity and visual polish to every workspace.

"For years, e-paper has been the smart choice for workspace management because of its low cost, wireless installation, and sustainability," said Trey Hicks, COO and CSO for Visix. "Now, with our graphic design services, organizations no longer have to choose between functionality and aesthetics. We're helping companies create ePaper signs that look as impressive as they perform, with branded designs that enhance workplace environments while maintaining all the practical advantages that make ePaper the superior choice for large-scale deployments."

Visix's new e-paper design services leverage advanced E Ink technology to create custom templates that seamlessly blend reservation data with compelling visual design. The four-color signs (EPS 37, EPS 42, and EPS 74) utilize red, yellow, black, and white to create vibrant branded displays, while the EPS 125 supports sophisticated red, black and grayscale imagery. Organizations can now incorporate photos, graphics, company logos, QR codes, and branded backgrounds into their ePaper displays. They maintain all the sustainability and cost benefits of e-paper while achieving the visual impact previously only available with power-hungry LCD screens.

Digital signage has been used in installations across all verticals, from menus to messaging systems to wayfinding kiosks. However, nothing remains the same in Pro AV, and much like everything else, the role of digital signage is evolving.

"Displays are definitely more than a sign," said Joe Drury, business manager of Sony's BRAVIA Professional Displays. "We’re in an era where digital signage goes beyond sharing simple, basic information to become a dynamic and interactive canvas for two-way, real-time messaging and impactful visuals."

You Tell Me That It's Evolution

Are we entering a digital signage renaissance? As Drury explained, new forms and iterations are addressing the market’s demands. "Digital signage is truly a canvas to convey information, thoughts, feelings, activations, and messages," he added. "It is only as necessary and engaging as the content being shared consistently, so ensuring the best media and message are being conveyed is key to its continued evolution."

If it isn't losing its place in the Pro AV world, then why change? According to Frank Boston, founder of MoodyCanvas.com, digital signage still holds enormous potential, but it does require fresh thinking and creative vision to truly stand out.

"The marketplace is certainly crowded, but the real challenge is that most players are doing the same basic things," he said. "Too often, the focus is on purchasing the screens, while the content becomes an afterthought or a budget drain, yet even the most impressive display will fall flat if the visuals aren’t compelling. This is why it’s important for integrators to propose content as part of the complete solution."

Digital signage on many displays once showcased flashy, bright messaging or maps or even food items. Now, many are now turning to art.

"The concept of a ‘digital canvas’ is integral to approaches when designing solutions," explained Dana Corey, SVP and global GM, Avocor. "Modern displays have evolved beyond simple endpoints, now functioning as dynamic platforms for collaboration and delivering immersive experiences. This transformation illustrates a broader shift toward technology that is expressive and adaptable to its intended environment."

Audience Engagement

Key among the content on these digital canvases is leveraging emotional engagement while reinforcing brand identity and supporting interactive applications. So, what are those new opportunities? How can businesses capitalize on the art of digital signage?

The simple answer: Understand your audience to get viewers engaged.

"Engagement deepens and becomes more impactful when it provides the exact information an audience is seeking and can even take it one step further," Drury said. "As displays and their offerings become more intelligent, end users benefit from increasingly tailored insights and AI capabilities more quickly and efficiently and with more intent than before."

"Digital signage is now a dynamic engagement tool that can transform a space and the way people interact with it," Corey agreed. "In hotels, airports, and retail environments, we see many ways customers can leverage signage to captivate audiences beyond traditional menu boards and wayfinding."

So, what are some of those ways that are currently being used? Corey gave examples of how Avocor enables immersive storytelling on large-format, high-resolution displays to create the mood and atmosphere the moment a guest enters a space. In hotels, for example, Avocor can transform a lobby wall into a digital canvas with sensor integration and smart content management, enabling creatively designed signage to adapt to the audience in real time. He also recommended inviting customers to participate with interactive engagement points.

Mitch Braff, founder and CEO of LiquidView, the virtual window company, turned to Sony's BRAVIA displays to design his new virtual windows. Using the BZ40L series, which features Deep Black Non-Glare technology, Braff immerses viewers by converting a closed-in space like a conference room into a serene atmosphere, all of their own choosing.

Jill Moses, founder and CEO of The Inspired Community Project, a nonprofit research organization in the Bronx, NY, that builds a more equitable, inclusive, and accessible system of care for neurodivergent children, turned to LiquidView to transform therapy spaces into both calming and engaging environments that "promote emotional regulation and reduce sensory overload for the children we serve," she explained. "Our kids may not have access to safe, scenic spaces outside of our center, so this visual connection to the natural world is more than just aesthetic—it’s therapeutic."

For MoodyCanvas.com, no situation is the same. Every piece of content is designed with the specific environment in mind. Whether it is a massive lobby to a high-traffic bar/restaurant, or conversely a slower foot traffic location like waiting rooms and lounges, his team's content is ideal for captivating audiences and enhancing the overall experience. "Digital signage should be part of the interior design, not just an add-on, and architects should have a voice in content selection because it directly shapes the mood and energy of the environment," Boston said.

The Next Big Thing

According to Drury, the next big opportunity to elevate brand awareness using digital signage is directly related to engagement. "Understanding what your target audience would find valuable and providing relevant content via the best visual impact and reliable hardware is key to elevating brand awareness," he said.

To get to this next level of digital signage, it will take a blending of, well, quite a few things to come together. Corey said the new era of digital signage is an intelligent fusion of hardware innovation and software integration. While display quality is of obvious importance, so is versatility like supporting touch, pen, and gesture inputs, as well as seamless integration with content management systems and collaboration platforms.

That could be costly, but that's why Boston created MoodyCanvas.com. "[We are] dedicated to producing high-quality digital signage content crafted with Adobe After Effects and generative AI," he explained. "This approach allows us to offer a ready-made, affordable content library that still delivers strong visual impact while being accessible to a much wider audience." In short, Boston has simplified licensing to make art both affordable and easy to use.

Innovations such as spatial audio, holographic and 3D visualization, and interactivity transform signage from a passive display into a two-way engagement tool. "The next generation of digital signage is about blending advanced display technology with complementary innovations to create fully immersive environments," Corey said. "By integrating these technologies with Avocor’s high-performance displays, customers can deliver experiences that are not only visually striking but also multisensory, adaptive, and memorable," Corey said. "The goal is to create signage that’s not just seen but felt and experienced."

"The next generation of technology is always redefining itself," opined Drury. "Sony has implemented forward-looking innovations that help create and drive impact and purpose. Our Deep Black Non-Glare treatment is just one example of this commitment to unforgettable and purpose-driven visual experiences. This coating, which is featured on our flagship BZ40L pro BRAVIA displays, offers minimal glare with maximum contrast, perfect for bright and challenging lighting conditions."

In other words: The next generation of digital signage is art. People no longer want to simply see the message, they want to feel it. "In a crowded marketplace, impact comes from relevance and engagement, and today’s signage is becoming context-aware and deeply integrated into broader digital ecosystems," concluded Corey. "The challenge isn’t saturation, it’s differentiation. And that’s where innovation in hardware, software, and user experience is making all the difference."

Get even more insights: Download SCN's Integration Guide to Digital Signage.

Sony Corporation and TCL Electronics Holdings Limited have announced that the two companies have agreed to move forward with discussions and consideration for a strategic partnership in the home entertainment field.

Specifically, the two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to confirm their intentions to establish a joint venture that will assume Sony’s home entertainment business, with TCL holding 51% and Sony holding 49% of its shares. The joint venture will operate globally, handling the full process from product development and design to manufacturing, sales, logistics, and customer service for products, including televisions and home audio equipment. Sony and TCL will proceed with discussions toward executing definitive binding agreements by the end of March 2026. Subject to execution of the definitive agreements and relevant regulatory approvals and other conditions, the new company is expected to commence its operations in April 2027.

The new company plans to advance its business by leveraging Sony’s high-quality picture and audio technology, brand value, and operational expertise, including supply chain management, while utilizing TCL’s advanced display technology, global scale advantages, industrial footprint, end-to-end cost efficiency, and vertical supply chain strength. The new company’s products are expected to carry the “Sony” name and “BRAVIA” name, aiming to create new customer value through these branded products, such as TVs and home audio equipment.

The global market for large TV products continues to expand, driven by trends such as diversified viewing styles through growing OTT (Over The Top) and video-sharing platforms, enhanced user experiences enabled by the evolution of smart features, as well as adoption of higher resolution and larger displays.

We Asked About the Professional Line of Sony BRAVIA

Building on its history of outstanding image quality and advanced processing, Sony’s BRAVIA displays have long been a premium line, offering additional professional features and favored by many commercial integrators and end-users.

With this in mind, AV Technology reached out to Sony for a comment on how the partnership might affect its professional line of BRAVIA displays. A Sony representative offered the following: “We consider the two companies to be nearly equal partners; both Sony and TCL will provide steadfast support for the sustainable growth of the new company, to create innovative products that meet the expectations of customers around the world and pursue further business growth through operational excellence.”

Perhaps the upshot will be that the professional line of BRAVIA displays will become more affordable. We'll have to wait and see.

For more information, visit https://www.sony.co.jp/en/ and https://electronics.tcl.com/.

Avoid those tangled up, cluttered holiday blues with WyreStorm’s new CAM-0402-NDI-BRG. This 4K multi-camera bridge connects HDMI, USB, and NDI sources into one seamless output for conferencing, streaming, or hybrid events. From virtual holiday events to big end-of-year corporate meetings, the CAM-0402-NDI-BRG declutters while keeping every feed synchronized, crisp, and stress-free.

Its plug-and-play webcam compatibility and native Microsoft Teams app integration allows switching between multiple cameras directly inside their meetings without the hassle of extra gear or software. Plus, it supports multi-view layouts, 4K resolution, and intuitive control via buttons, Web UI, or RS-232. This sleek bridge may need a slightly bigger stocking, but its worth stuffing in there for every performance from the classroom to the meeting space.

SCN Stocking Stuffers is a seasonal series that highlights affordable Pro AV tools for industry professionals on your “nice” list.

Let's establish this right away: The ViewSonic LX60HD is a consumer projector. It is not the permanent projector for your boardroom or auditorium. That said, it is a "smart" projector with some features (and a very reasonable $339.99 list price) that make it an attractive option for small multi-use areas, and it's portable enough to recruit for company events or backyard movies.

The LX60HD weighs less than 10 pounds and is smaller than the box from my most recent pair of sneakers. It ships with a power cable, remote control (with batteries), and a quick start guide. There is no lens cap or carrying case, though the recessed lens offers some protection against the errant bump during transport. You'll have to supply any source connecting cables.

This is a fixed lens unit, so there's no built-in zoom and you won't be swapping out a short-throw lens. The LX60HD also has a sealed optical engine, so as long as you don't abuse the thing, you can expect about 20,000 hours of projected content. That equates to 40 hours a week for almost a decade.

The LX60HD has an RGB LED light source, not laser like many of today's projectors, and a single-chip LCD projection system. As far as projected images go, it offers 630 ANSI lumens and can project a screen size of up to 140 inches. With a 1.2 throw ratio, you can fill a 70-inch screen from about 6 feet away or a 100-inch screen from a little less than 9 feet away. That'll work for a presentation or a watch party.

An adjustable foot allows for a slightly higher projection angle, while a tripod hole lets you mount the projector temporarily or permanently. There's also a Kensington lock slot, which can discourage theft for more permanent installs.

Built-In Entertainment

When you first turn on the projector, you'll have to do some basic startup tasks, such as choosing your language and country. After that, you can set up Google TV to provide access to a variety of streaming services. Setup time will be determined by how many streaming services you add and, of course, the speed of your internet connection.

You're not limited to streaming—the LX60HD has an HDMI input, so you can connect your laptop or game system, and a 3.5mm AV port for connecting video cameras or other components. Two USB ports allow you to connect external storage or peripherals like a keyboard and/or mouse.

The LX60HD features impressive auto focus and auto keystone. You can adjust it manually, but I was very satisfied with the results from the projector. There are a handful of color modes and a manual mode to adjust the image to your preferences. The remote's D-pad makes menu navigation fairly intuitive. File management is a bit more ponderous, but you can fill about 4 GB of local storage with pictures, movies, and other media.

Integrated speakers mean you won't have to use external speakers. The two 5W speakers are just OK, but there are two settings, movie or music, to provide some minor audio adjustment. Movie mode provided better spoken word intelligibility in my tests. There's also a 3.5mm jack and Bluetooth, so I was able to connect my JBL Flip 4 portable speaker both ways and get much better audio results.

The Brightness Battle

As regular readers know, I often expose products I'm evaluating to challenging (read: ridiculous) environments to see how they perform. For the LX60HD, I decided to see how well it could project content on a big white wall. In my garage. Right next to a 4-foot window in the middle of the afternoon.

Surprisingly, the projector delivered reasonably well with reasonably bright content. Projecting from about 9 feet away, PowerPoint slides were washed out but readable. Video results varied wildly: Bright scenes from the first episode of Reacher were OK, but dark scenes from Back to the Future Part III were basically unwatchable.

In a more realistic dim room (light enough to see, too dark to read), I streamed Pulp Fiction and it looked good when projected from 6 feet away. The LX60HD also performed well with some of the darker scenes from Timecop at the same distance. (Have I mentioned how much I like the built-in Google TV?) As you'd expect from a low-brightness projector, the LX60HD output looks significantly better as the room gets darker. When I shut off the lights, the images looked really good.

What you think about the LX60HD is directly tied to your expectations. The speakers will not blow you away and the brightness is not very bright. Also, ViewSonic confirmed the fan noise is 40dB, which is certainly not loud, but it is noticeable.

Those are some pretty potent cons—so, what's the professional appeal? If brightness isn't your top concern, the LX60HD might just carve out a niche in your office. If you're using it in a room with limited light, such as a break room or a small multi-purpose space, you should be pleasantly surprised with the results, particularly the Full HD resolution (many inexpensive professional models offer more brightness but less resolution). Also, the integrated Google TV and built-in storage make it easy to access plenty of content without relying on external devices and cables. The LX60HD delivers versatility and pretty pictures at a reasonable price.

Looking for the ideal gift for your video-producing, broadcast-loving Pro AV-er this Christmas? Look no further than the Cobalt Digital BBG-DA-12G-1×6.

Designed for professional broadcast quality and part of the Cobalt BlueBox Group mini-converters, this fully automatic, multi-rate distribution amplifier features an input status LED. The unit supports SMPTE 2082-1 (12G), 424M (3G), 292M and 259M SDI video signals as well as ASI and MADI, and is equipped with one input and six reclocked SDI outputs (Note: reclocking for 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI and MADI inputs; all other bit rates are non-reclocking). If your Pro AV enthusiast is looking for an ultra-high-definition video production tool that is ideal for broadcast, postproduction, and live events, Cobalt has you covered with the affordable and compact BBG-DA-12G-1×6.

SCN Stocking Stuffers is a seasonal series that highlights affordable Pro AV tools for industry professionals on your “nice” list.

If you’ve ever swiped through a Kindle, or any other e-reader, you’re already familiar with electronic paper, or e-paper, at least on a consumer level. For Pro AV, however, there are a few more things to know beyond how to download the next Stephen King novel, if you wish to gain sales while informing clients about the pros and cons of this technology, and how it fits into their communications and sustainability goals.

For Till Gotterbarm, VP of business development at AUO Display Plus, a Taiwanese commercial and industrial display company that acquired Avocor in 2024, e-paper offers AV integrators yet another opportunity to help customers deliver their messaging. “We’re really addressing a market where the AV integrator can extend their value to large, global corporations and even SMBs,” Gotterbarm said. “Now you can provide something very new.”

Screen Comparisons

E-paper is basically a digital version of paper-paper. Timothy O’Malley, assistant VP for the U.S. Regional Business Unit at E Ink, explained that the combination of electronic ink film with patterned electronics results in e-paper displays (also known as electrophoretic displays or EPDs) that don’t require much power and can be positioned in places unsuitable for traditional video screens.

Christopher Kwon, director of product marketing, smart signage, at Samsung Electronics America, noted that one of e-paper’s primary elements is its bistability, meaning that people can view its content even when the device is not drawing power. “This property allows e-paper displays to maintain an image for long periods with extremely low energy use, making them an energy-efficient signage option,” he said.

While LCD and LED displays require constant power, e-paper does not. “Once an image is set on the display, it stays in place without drawing any power until it next changes,” O’Malley explained. Devices can be battery and even solar powered, which decreases the need for wiring and increases energy savings. (Wired connection is possible too, via PoE or USB-C, for example.)

Not only does this make e-paper more energy efficient, it also results in cooler devices, since they don’t produce the heat of traditional video displays. They’re also easier to view in direct sunlight. “E-paper reflects ambient light the same way as ink on paper," O’Malley noted, "which makes it comfortable to view in bright or dim environments without straining the eyes or consuming large amounts of energy.”

Another difference between video displays and e-paper is how the two technologies use light. According to Kwon, LCD and LED screens need a constant backlight to generate images. On the other hand, the charged ink particles in e-paper reflect ambient light. "This approach reduces glare and maintains excellent visibility even in bright conditions," Kwon added, arguing that like paper, e-paper delivers its best viewing experience in bright spaces.

Kwon added that lightweight, ultra-thin displays, such as Samsung’s Color E-Paper, are a good option for spaces where smart signage is better than traditional paper, especially if the messaging needs to be updated regularly. Like video-driven digital signage, e-paper can be updated remotely—in Samsung’s case, through its VXT management platform or its E-Paper mobile app.

E-paper also has an advantage in environments with few or no power sources, little to no wiring, and limited mounting options. “This combination of low power consumption, portability, and remote updating makes e-paper well-suited for areas without a permanent power source,” Kwon said, adding that features such as network standby off mode and sleep mode serve to increase energy efficiency even more.

Current Use Cases

Aside from energy savings, e-paper enables organizations to maximize their technology usage, argued Victoria Fox, global head of communications at Philips Professional Display Solutions (PPDS). Plus, e-paper can help organizations work toward their sustainability goals associated with technology acquisition and inventory management. “The fact that it is so portable—and it can be moved around from location to location rather than it being stuck on a wall or on a mount that has to stay in one place—means that people can make much better use of it,” Fox added.

Bart Wouters, international product manager of professional displays at PPDS, said that right now, e-paper is best suited for displaying static images. While there are e-paper technologies that can run video, he said they are "very limited in the amount of color that the product is capable of showing." As a result, it is less than ideal for signage applications involving advertising and branding, since most brands have very specific requirements related to the color accuracy of their logos and the reproduction of other marketing materials.

“We don’t really see it as a replacement for LCD,” Wouters admitted. Instead, e-paper is an additional option for certain use cases.

That’s not to say that manufacturers aren’t striving to improve the color quality of their e-paper offerings. Late this summer, for example, Sharp launched its EP-CA22 28.6-inch diagonal Advanced Color ePaper display with a 180-degree viewing angle. Based on the A2 poster print size, the model delivers more vivid colors and high contrast, according to Sharp. Kevin Christopherson, Sharp's director of display product marketing, noted that the new model, which features SoC technology and doesn’t require power when showing static imagery, offers a sustainable display choice to customers while also providing AV integrators with a solution that’s easy to install.

Because e-paper displays are low power and perform well in high ambient light conditions, like their old-fashioned counterpart, they make for good reading in both commercial and educational purposes. O’Malley noted that they are used for Digital Out of Home (DOOH) advertising, wayfinding, and electronic shelf labels in big box stores.

Transit is another growing use case. For example, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is currently piloting solar-powered E Ink displays to provide real-time scheduling information to passengers. Plus, Papercast, which has deployed e-paper solutions in dozens of countries, recently installed E Ink displays at bus stops in downtown Los Angeles for LA Metro to help keep passengers informed about arrivals and departures.

Kwon points to dining as another prime e-paper use case. He relayed that an event catering company recently swapped out its chalkboard menu with a 32-inch Samsung Color E-Paper display, managed through the manufacturer’s VXT platform and Samsung E-Paper mobile app. “The lightweight, ultra-thin design makes it easy for staff to transport and set up at different venues, eliminating the need to manually update the menu, and reducing setup time,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Restaurant Nenuphar, a fine dining and events establishment outside of Ghent, Belgium, replaced its paper signage with Philips Tableaux e-paper displays. Now the business can easily update content to coincide with the time of day, current customers, or even weather conditions.

Gotterbarm emphasized that e-paper provides AV integrators another way to assist customers with their communications needs. “It’s a good thing for integrators," he added, "because they can add value if they take the time to understand it."

E-Paper Deployment Considerations

E-paper products aren’t like traditional video screens, which requires AV designers and integrators to adopt a slightly different mindset. Bart Wouters from PPDS offered a few key points to consider before embarking on a rollout.

• The more ambient light, the better e-paper works. “It’s like a piece of paper; if you open your newspaper in a dark room, you will not be able to see it,” Wouters explained. "Don’t put it in a corner that’s very dark with no lighting—that’s not the best location for it.”

• One display can serve multiple locations. E-paper’s portability makes it a good option for creating movable point-of-sale advertisements or educational displays. “This is a clear advantage of e-paper technology: Because it doesn’t need power to show an image, it is portable,” Wouters said.

• There are still limitations associated with color accuracy. If the client has strict requirements for the pantones featured in their brand’s logo, e-paper is probably not the best choice … at least not right now.

Now you can stream all the movies from the SCN Holiday Movie Bonanza bracket in high-definition with this compact projector from the luxury of your own home. The ViewSonic LX60HD Smart LED projector is easy to install and set up as an all-in-one home entertainment solution.

Designed with native 1080p Full HD resolution and built-in Google TV, setup is simplified as no external dongle is needed—with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which supports wireless screen mirroring, you can stream from apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime directly from the projector onto screens up to a massive 140 inches. Auto-horizontal and vertical keystone correction, four-corner adjustment, and obstacle avoidance add to the ease of installation, not needing a Pro AV certification to get it up and going. The LX60HD is just 9.0x8.9x6.3 inches in size and weighs right around seven pounds means you can move it around and reinstall anywhere in the house. Get those Hallmark Christmas movies fired up on the big screen with the ViewSonic LX60HD Smart LED projector.

SCN Stocking Stuffers is a seasonal series that highlights affordable Pro AV tools for industry professionals on your “nice” list.

Get your free copy of SCN's Integration Guide to Video Displays and Mounts.

Wide Appeal for Ultra-Widescreen Displays

More horizontal real estate can be very useful for many applications, so why is 21:9 still considered niche instead of the aspect ratio of choice? And is 32:9, which is even wider, the answer? Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of ultra-wide display options for conference rooms and more.

At Issue

When it comes to video displays for conference rooms, how big is too big? Industry experts from Avocor, Jupiter Systems, LG, Planar, and Sharp size up your options.

Download the Integration Guide to Video Displays and Mounts.

Read the December issue of Systems Contractor News.

Let there be light. elektraLite has introduced a weather-resistant version in two 30-watt and 80-watt configurations, making the new Stingray Mini IP65 an ideal choice for any lighting application, indoors or outside.

[Top Trends for 2026]

“Many of our customers have really loved the compact form factor and performance of our original Stingray Mini, so we’ve expanded the range with new models for even more versatility options,” said Brandon Tsaptsinos, Group One Limited’s national sales manager for the elektraLite brand. “The IP65-rated versions are perfectly suited for everything from theatrical and retail environments to outdoor signage and theme parks, and their higher wattages and precision camera lensing deliver truly pro-grade operation, rain or shine.”

Boasting a brilliant CRI of 95 or greater, the new 30-watt and 80-watt models each utilize a single-source COB LED module as their light engine, and both are available in Warm White (3000K), Cool White (5000K), Variable White (2700-6600K), and RGBW versions. Fixtures are equipped with interchangeable photographic-quality zoom lenses, offering a choice of 15º to 30º or 25º to 50º beam spreads, and feature camera manual rotary control for precise and fully-adjustable focusing.

Housed in marine-grade aluminum chassis, both new models are IP65 rated and fanless with a convection fin-cooled rear design for silently venting heat away. Fixtures can be controlled via DMX or set for manual operation, and all fixtures have Remote Device Management (RDM), selectable control of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), and selectable dimming algorithms for incandescent, log, or linear operation.

A four-piece shutter assembly allows for perfect cuts, and there is also a gobo slot for custom gobos, plus a double-slot for optional accessories (gel/color frame, filters, hi-hats, etc.). Products are shipped with a 10-foot extension cable allowing the quick-release power supply to be remotely located, and an optional 45-foot extension model is also available.

Designed in a compact form factor, the 30-watt Stingray Mini IP65 measures only 15-3/4x7-7/8x4.1/4 inches(1397.5x72.5x102.5mm), and weighs a mere five pounds (2.2kg). The 80-watt version features a slightly larger size weighing nine pounds (4kg).

PPDS launched its 32:9 Philips Stretch 3150, delivering advanced creativity, flexibility, and around-the-clock reliability for a widening range of environments and applications. The Philips Stretch 3150 has been crafted to widen the possibilities for installations that demand to be seen, featuring a 37-inch, 32:9, 1920x540 resolution display.

[Trends 2026: Pro AV Hangs Tough]

Superseding the Philips S-Line, the upgraded and enhanced Philips Stretch 3150 has been modeled around the evolving needs of the market, with each display able to be tailored with solutions for retail, transportation, food and beverage, hospitality, education, banking, healthcare, public venues, stadiums and arenas, and more.

Weighing just 7.6kg and featuring ultra narrow bezels (7.7mm L/R and 14.0mm T/B), the Philips Stretch 3150 is designed to transform almost any space, particularly those unsuitable for more conventional sized digital signage displays, including areas above in store shelving, or even on temporary walls, such as those used on kiosks and pop ups within shopping malls.

Philips Stretch 3150 displays can be installed either as a standalone solution or, for larger and more creative visions, multiple displays can be seamlessly daisy chained by connecting the HDMI Out port to the HDMI In port of another display. For tiled setups, businesses can simply connect two or more Philips Stretch 3150 displays with a single external player for single source content management that is effortless, no matter the number of displays selected. The inclusion of a discreetly integrated slot for a CRD32 Wi-Fi module introduces optional wireless network connectivity and Bluetooth functionality on the display.

Meeting all needs and preferences (including security), AV/IT managers can easily create and schedule content to play on their displays either directly from the Cloud (centrally and remotely managed), from local memory, or via USB.

Handheld footage doesn’t have to be shaky. Available in black or white, Sony’s new GP-VPT3 multi-function shooting grip makes it easier to produce stable shots. It’s got an ergonomically designed grip that lets you shoot while you zoom, focus, or start/stop recording with one hand using the Bluetooth wireless remote (RMT-VP2), which can remain nested within the grip. Or remove the remote and use the GP-VPT3 as a mini-tripod so you can get in the shot, too. (The remote works with select Sony cameras and smartphones.) The tilt function makes it easy to adjust shooting angles, and a button lets you unlock the head so you can securely spin the camera to go from normal shooting to selfie shots.

SCN Stocking Stuffers is a seasonal series that highlights affordable Pro AV tools for industry professionals on your “nice” list.

Introducing Airtame 3. Airtame's latest device is designed for seamless collaboration across classrooms and meeting spaces alike, Airtame 3 brings new levels of speed and simplicity to shared environments – combining all the tools educators and organizations need for smarter, distraction-free learning and collaboration.

"We’ve always believed technology in shared spaces should feel invisible—it should just work,” said Jonas Gyalokay, co-founder of Airtame. “With Airtame 3, we’ve doubled down on that promise. It’s faster, easier to deploy, and built to scale, so IT teams and end users alike can focus on what actually matters: connection and collaboration.”

Airtame 3 combines the simplicity of wireless screen sharing and videoconferencing with the reliability of enterprise-grade hardware. It directly integrates with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and Webex, enabling seamless collaboration without extra software—just walk in and connect. Join a call in under two seconds, load a custom background in less than a second, and share your screen in 4K, all powered by Airtame’s most advanced architecture yet, designed to keep every class and meeting running smoothly.

The new device connects to any display via HDMI and supports Power over Ethernet (PoE+) for a stable, hardwired setup that enables 4K screen sharing and new dual-screen functionality making it an ideal choice for classrooms and meeting rooms where participants appear on one screen and shared content on the other.

Once installed, devices register instantly through a QR code and can be monitored, updated, and troubleshot remotely in Airtame Cloud, reducing on-site service calls. Plus, with plug-and-play support for USB peripherals like cameras, microphones, and speakers, Airtame 3 streamlines hybrid setups and eliminates the need for extra PCs or complex AV gear.

Organizations can choose Airtame 3 for dedicated devices or Airtame Virtual to enable the same capabilities on existing computers, mixing and matching as needed to create a unified education and collaboration environment. This flexibility also extends to Airtame’s growing ecosystem of partners, including Amazon, Neat, and SMART, where Airtame software comes pre-installed or easily runs on select devices, ensuring seamless integration across leading classroom and meeting room technologies.

“We’ve spent more than a decade working with schools and enterprises to understand what really matters in shared spaces,” Gyalokay concluded. “People want technology that fades into the background so they can concentrate on teaching, learning, and collaborating. Airtame 3 reflects that mindset. It’s powerful, reliable, and designed to make every shared screen feel effortless to use.”

For less than $300, Blackmagic Design can transform an iPhone 17 Pro (or iPhone 17 Pro Max) into a professional production camera. USB-C is nice and all, but the new Blackmagic Camera ProDock adds HDMI and power connections, as well as a 3.5mm input for mics and a glorious 3.5mm out for headphones. (Remember those days, Apple?) And there are more USB-C ports to support SSD recording. Plus, with professional BNC connections, Blackmagic Camera ProDock brings external genlock and time code to the party, so you can stay in sync with cameras and switchers. You can even shoot LED walls without all that distracting flickering, so now you’re ready for virtual production, too.

SCN Stocking Stuffers is a seasonal series that highlights affordable Pro AV tools for industry professionals on your “nice” list.

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) has refreshed its professional projector portfolio with the A series models and the V series models. Designed with WUXGA native resolution and 4K input support, these laser projectors deliver enhanced brightness to overcome ambient light and help ensure clear, vivid images in well-lit spaces. With flexible installation options, including optional long and short-throw lenses, they adapt easily to diverse environments from classrooms to corporate venues.

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As part of the A Series, the XP-A824U (8,200 lumens), XP-A104U (10,000 lumens), XP-A155U (15,000 lumens), and XP-A175U (17,000 lumens) deliver enhanced image quality through Sharp's proprietary high-performance video processing and scaling chip, paired with a dual blue laser system. Unique to the A Series is its IP5X-rated Sealed LCD cooling system, which prevents dust from entering the optical path - ensuring consistent brightness, pristine image clarity, and virtually maintenance-free operation without filters.

Introducing the V Series. The XP-V731U (7,300 lumens) and XP-V801U (8,000 lumens) are designed for high-impact visuals without sacrificing efficiency. They are compatible with legacy NEC lenses, allowing users to leverage existing optics for substantial cost savings.

Both the A and V Series are equipped with a full suite of advanced features designed to simplify setup and deliver high image performance. This includes Sharp's geometric correction for projecting on non-standard surfaces, integrated edge blending for seamless multi-projector displays, and Roll Free orientation for flexible placement at virtually any angle. A Constant Brightness setting uses internal sensors to maintain a specified percentage of light output over an extended period of time. NaViSet Administrator 2 software allows users to control, monitor and manage your projector settings in an all-in-one software system. Multi-display TileMatrix technology enables large, high-resolution visuals without external processors, while ProAssist management software gives installers precise, remote control over image settings and adjustments.

"With this rebrand, Sharp is giving customers the ability to choose the exact performance and integration features they need," said Ryan Pitterle, senior product manager, projectors, Sharp. "The A Series delivers dust-free reliability and extreme brightness for large, demanding spaces, while the V Series maximizes flexibility with lens compatibility and new ultra-short throw options. Together, they provide purpose-built solutions that ensure exceptional projection in any environment."

Nanolumens is set to launch the NanoPanel 55, a new dvLED display designed to bring the advantages of dvLED technology to the standard 55-inch flat panel format. The NanoPanel Series combines the advantages of direct-view LED technology, including reduced power use, high image calibration and in-field repairability, long lifespan and zero bezels, within the same footprint as traditional LCD and OLED displays. Using Virtual Chip-on-Board (VCOB) technology, the NanoPanel 55 delivers Full HD (1920x1080) resolution in a 55-inch cabinet size with the same mounting compatibility and footprint as standard flat panels. The NanoPanel 55 offers all the benefits of dvLED while maintaining the simplicity and familiarity of a traditional commercial display.

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While not the first dvLED display in a 54 to 55-inch size, the NanoPanel 55 is the first to market to offer true Full HD resolution at 1920 x 1080. The NanoPanel was developed for specific use cases such as flight information display systems (FIDS) in airports, transit stations, menu boards and command and control centers. The product’s design focuses on performance, reliability and ease of integration, giving operators and facilities a direct replacement option for traditional LCD flat panel displays.

“The NanoPanel 55 is a practical evolution in dvLED technology,” said Kurt DeYoung, chief revenue officer for Nanolumens. “It delivers the long lifespan, energy efficiency and zero-bezel design of dvLED in a familiar flat panel format, giving customers a direct replacement for LCD displays that’s easier to maintain and more cost-effective over time.”

The NanoPanel 55 is engineered for 100,000 hours of 24/7 operation to half-life, maintaining both color and white balance throughout its lifespan. The display’s efficient power usage and reduced heat load contribute to lower operating costs and an improved return on investment. Field-serviceable modules allow for quick on-site repair, minimizing downtime and reducing environmental impact by eliminating the need to store spare displays.

The NanoPanel 55 supports easy retrofits into existing LCD spaces using standard VESA mounting patterns, allowing integrators to reuse existing infrastructure. The zero-bezel design enables seamless multi-panel configurations that create a continuous visual surface, enhancing the viewing experience with improved contrast, deeper blacks and brighter whites. With its 0.6 mm pixel pitch and Full HD resolution in a 55-inch cabinet, the NanoPanel 55 delivers clarity and performance ideal for high-visibility applications.

Looking for a 'ideal solution' for video walls or TV distribution in sports bars? Alfatron Electronics is now offering the ALF-IPK1HE 4K Networked Encoder and ALF-IPK1HD 4K Networked Decoder for high-quality AV signal distribution over an IP network. These AV over IP encoder/decoder units enable users to transmit lightly compressed audio and video signals with minimal latency and lossless quality. The solutions are designed for ease of installation, configuration, and management, with user-friendly interfaces and intuitive control software that streamline setup and operation.

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The ALF-IPK1HE encoder and ALF-IPK1HD 4K decoder support input resolutions up to 4K@30 Hz, thus ensuring the ability to process high quality video. With their support for plug and play, this encoder/decoder combination works easily with unmanaged network switches—eliminating the need for configuration. To further ensure high-quality material, these two units support high-efficiency H.264/265 video codecs via the HDMI 1.4 transmission standard with HDCP 2.2 4K copy protection. Both units support the MPEG4-AAC and LPCM stereo audio formats.

The ALF-IPK1HE encoder can be configured in an IP video matrix or video wall setup using the VDirector mobile control app for iOS. The encoder has a built-in scaler for fast and seamless switching, and RS-232 throughput is supported to the ALF-IPK1HD 4K decoder. This encoder provides effortless preview management. Users simply drag-and-drop sources to the desired displays for visual control. Additionally, this encoder features local audio de-embedding with line output. For operational convenience, the RS232 route follows the switching of the video source.

The ALF-IPK1HD is a 4K networked AV over IP decoder adopting the latest H.265 compression. Like the ALF-IPK1HE encoder, this decoder can be configured in an IP video matrix or video wall setup using the VDirector control app for iOS. This unit works easily with an Ethernet switch, eliminating the need to configure IP addresses, making this a true plug and play solution. The decoder’s integrated scaler is designed to achieve fast and seamless switching. This decoder makes it easy to build an IP matrix or a video wall and it has a built-in scaler to achieve fast and seamless switching.

“This combination of encoder and decoder provides several advantages for achieving superior quality AV," Kevin Gelman, national sales director, CFO at Alfatron Electronics, commented. "For starters, these products offer scalable and flexible distribution of AV signals, enabling users to easily expand their systems to accommodate changing requirements or add new endpoints without the need for costly rewiring or infrastructure upgrades. This scalability ensures that AV content can be delivered reliably and efficiently to any location within a facility, regardless of distance or complexity. With scalability, flexibility, and advanced features, these products deliver exceptional AV performance that meets the demands of modern applications, making them the ideal choice for anyone seeking to deploy a reliable and efficient AV distribution system."

Korbyt introduced a new portfolio of Korbyt media players engineered to power modern digital signage and workplace experiences at scale. This new suite of media players delivers a plug-and-play experience with purpose-built hardware devices that integrate seamlessly with the Korbyt Anywhere content management system (CMS). The lineup—Aries III Fanless Signage Player, Orion 4K Signage Player, and Vega Multi‑Zone Signage Player—delivers reliable, high‑quality playback, robust security, and streamlined remote management. In addition, the Aries III and Orion media players offer out-of-band (OOB) capabilities for remote player control and recovery.

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“Enterprises need hardware that matches the speed and scale of their communications,” said Andrew Gildin, VP of channel sales and revenue operations at Korbyt. “With Aries III, Orion, and Vega, we’re giving customers flexible performance tiers with standard enterprise features like Out‑of‑Band management, 4K playback, and secure, cloud‑first administration. Teams can confidently deploy, monitor, and update signage networks —and with out-of-the-box provisioning, accelerate time to value for enterprise digital signage.”

The Aries III Fanless Signage Player is ideal for enterprise deployments where reliability and low maintenance are paramount. Its fanless design for silent, durable operation in mission‑critical environments. Powered by AMD Ryzen Embedded processors with integrated Vega GPU for smooth multimedia playback, it supports 4K UHD video support.

The Orion 4K Signage Player was designed for high-quality graphics and multimedia processing capabilities. It is built on Intel N97 for responsive performance in digital signage and edge applications and includes 4K‑ready graphics with multimedia capabilities for demanding visual experiences.

Lastly, the Vega Multi‑Zone Signage Player was created with immersive, interactive experiences that captivate audiences in any business setting in mind. It is a BrightSign-powered solution built for high‑traffic environments that demand consistent, reliable playback that drives multi‑zone layouts to orchestrate dynamic, simultaneous content across multiple areas of the screen.

All three players are pre‑configured for the Korbyt Anywhere CMS, giving IT, AV, and communications teams a single pane of glass for content scheduling, device health monitoring, policy‑based updates, and role‑based access control. The portfolio provides support for BrightSignOS and Windows 11, enabling organizations to plan a smooth migration from Windows 10 before Microsoft ends support in October 2025. It also allows IT teams to standardize their technology stack while ensuring performance, security, and manageability remain uncompromised.

Extron unveiled the DTP3 CrossPoint 42. This compact 4x2 4K/60 matrix switcher features USB-C and HDMI inputs, HDMI outputs, and a DTP3 output for extending video, audio, and control signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a shielded CAT 6A cable. Integration-friendly features, such as 60 watt USB-C charging and audio de‑embedding simplify designs and streamline installation by reducing equipment needs. Extron-exclusive Vector 4K scaling delivers pristine image quality, seamless transition effects, and logo keying.

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These features and more make the DTP3 CrossPoint 42 ideal for meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, training rooms, and other professional AV presentation venues.

“The DTP3 CrossPoint 42 redefines compact AV matrix switching with a feature set that delivers both performance and versatility,” said Casey Hall, chief marketing officer for Extron. “Its small size enables convenient installation in a variety of locations, and its advanced capabilities enable uncompromised operation in a broad range of presentation environments.”

The DTP3 CrossPoint 42 is built to serve the needs of environments where reliability, ease of use, and high quality presentations are crucial. These include corporate meeting rooms, lecture rooms in higher education, and government facilities. In addition to enhanced video performance, it incorporates logo keying and seamless switching transition effects to enhance the user experience.

SpinetiX has introduced SpinetiX HUB, the new all-in-one cloud-based platform designed to simplify, secure, and scale the management of the SpinetiX complete digital signage solution, giving users a central place to operate every aspect of their digital signage.

[Digital Signage Continues to Thrive]

With HUB, customers benefit from unified access with a single login to manage a growing number of SpinetiX products and services. The platform offers flexibility to scale, allowing users to activate only the products they need when they need them.

At the same time, SpinetiX HUB delivers built-in enterprise-grade security and compliance with the highest standards such as BSI C5, and GDPR. Users have now the flexibility to choose the location where their data is stored, manage access to other users with confidence, and connect third-party services like Microsoft 365, Power BI, Google Workspace, and more with the highest security standards.

At launch, SpinetiX HUB brings together the Arya cloud-based CMS, simplified activation, centralized storage and management of account resources, and seamless connectivity with third-party data under one roof.

“This is a major milestone in our digital signage vision and in the implementation of our product roadmap,” said Francesco Ziliani, CEO of SpinetiX. “With HUB, we are delivering simplicity, unification, and futureproofing to our customers and partners. SpinetiX HUB it is the foundation on which every innovation from SpinetiX will be built.”

Throughout the history of professional video production, transformative technologies have democratized their use and disrupted the status quo of expensive, proprietary solutions. Twenty years ago, the TriCaster was such a product, and it remains that way today under the ownership of Vizrt.

Introduced by NewTek at the NAB 2005 convention, the TriCaster—so named for its ability to input and output live and pre-recorded video, record it, and stream it over the internet—was initially a kludgey-looking silver box loaded with software that was working so hard it began to overheat after the first day of demonstrations and had to be restarted every hour or so for the remainder of the show.

However, its value was significant and clear to everyone who saw it, as the year ushered in a rapid increase in the evolution of technologies that needed content to make them useful, such as broadband, social media, and the internet on mobile phones.

To meet this growing revolution in desktop video, the initial TriCaster model integrated live video switching, broadcast graphics, virtual sets, and other production features into a portable and compact device. It was essentially a "TV studio in a computer," as some marketing materials at the time claimed.

From its humble beginnings as production switcher for SD video that used a keyboard and mouse instead of a traditional switcher panel, today's version of the same integrated production system is more advanced, less expensive than the sum of its features, and just as capable of handling high-quality content as any other solution. In fact, it's used to produce some of the most high-profile online content, such as part of FOX Sports’ coverage of this year’s NFL Super Bowl telecast.

Indeed, the nascent TriCaster has come a long way.

“It's amazing how the TriCaster has gone from people looking down their nose at it as not suitable for professional production to doing part of the Super Bowl this year,” said Chris McLendon, senior product manager for Vizrt’s TriCaster, 3Play, and Viz Connect products. “Even top-end broadcasters are having to stretch their budgets and get the most bang out of their buck. One of the ways to do that is to multitask products and have a single system do a lot of different things. That’s the concept that TriCaster was founded on.”

An Amiga Disruptor

TriCaster was originally developed by NewTek, a company founded in 1985 in Topeka, KS, by Tim Jenison and Paul Montgomery. The company eventually moved San Antonio, TX, in 1997, and was sold to Vizrt in 2019. NewTek’s history started with video capture hardware and editing software for the Commodore Amiga platform.

“I joined Vizrt in 2022, and from what I’ve been told, there was a lot of rebel outlaw mentality in the beginning of NewTek,” said McLendon. “They had a small group of really smart people, and they got together and went to trade shows, and they looked at how people were doing things and literally said, ‘Let's shake it up and do something completely different.’”

“NewTek was a major force in ushering in the historic digital television transition,” said Brian McKernan, former editor of Videography magazine, which covered the fledgling company extensively. “Innovative products such as the popular TriCaster were a natural extension of that.”

One of those innovative products was the famous Video Toaster.

“NewTek’s founders were personal computer enthusiasts as teenagers who built their company based on that perspective,” McKernan explained. “They instinctively recognized the value of what the 'off-the-shelf' and very affordable Commodore Amiga personal computer offered to the television production industry because of its special display system. Combining the Amiga’s unique 'Blitter' and 'Copper' chips, NewTek developed the broadcast-quality Video Toaster, which provided video producers at all levels with a video switcher, DVE, character generator, paint, and the Lightwave 3-D animation system. It was an immediate hit with everyone from Wayne’s World to Disney Studios.”

Continuous Upgrade Path

TriCaster systems utilize a customized version of Windows as their operating system, specifically a Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) or Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) variant. This means they are not standard Windows operating systems and focus primarily on security and stability. It's a specialized version designed for TriCaster’s specific hardware and live video production.

Over the ensuing years, the TriCaster was incrementally improved with new features and better signal support for professional workflows. At NAB 2006, NewTek announced TriCaster PRO, which introduced professional video, audio connections, and virtual sets (using proprietary NewTek LiveSet technology) to the TriCaster line. Next came TriCaster STUDIO, the first TriCaster to support six cameras, and then TriCaster BROADCAST, the first model to deliver SDI video and audio support.

In early 2009, NewTek introduced 3PLAY, a portable multi-channel HD/SD slow-motion replay system. TriCaster TCXD300, the first HD TriCaster, came in 2009, and in 2010, NewTek introduced TriCaster TCXD850, a 22-channel HD model in a rackmount form factor.

At the IBC 2025 show in Amsterdam, NewTek introduced its IP networking protocol, Network Device Interface (NDI). The predecessor to NDI was called AirSend, which was primarily used as an IP video tool for TriCaster users. The system included the world’s first natively integrated NDI video switcher.

Among the many influential features added to the TriCaster is Live Call Connect, which allows users to integrate remote callers from videoconferencing applications like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Discord, and Slack into productions. This feature, introduced as part of the TriCaster 2 Elite systems, proved to be highly beneficial when remote working became the norm during the pandemic. “Vizrt/NewTek was one of the first people to say, 'If you've got a Skype caller, you should be able to pull that directly into a broadcast,'” said McLendon.

That system was one of its best-selling TriCaster products ever. It has since been replaced with the new TriCaster Vizion system, which offers advanced graphics, AI-powered tools, and configurable SDI/IP I/O. The AI tools are built on the Nvidia framework, particularly those leveraging GPUs. “They were ahead of the curve in terms of remote collaboration, and it’s another example of the company being innovative,” McLendon said. “Vizrt has an entire roadmap for adding AI-powered tools in the future. This includes some gaze correction that can automatically trim shots where the talent has moved out of frame.”

Software Legacy

Looking at its underlying architecture, the TriCaster was, in effect, an appliance built on a Windows platform for the first 15 years or so. However, over the past few years, the company has focused on more software-only features. To that end, Vizrt now offers TriCaster Mini S, a software-only solution that customers can use with their own hardware. Another option is TriCaster Vectar, a cloud-based 4K production system.

“That's one of the reasons why we can do some of the things that we can do that others can't—because it was always built on software," McLendon explained. "The hardware was just a vehicle to get to where customers want to go. The challenge was that the hardware was not good. Well, now we've gotten to a point in time where the hardware, even consumer hardware, is amazing in the things it can do. So, as hardware processing gets better and faster, it will only improve TriCaster’s performance."

Today, the Vizrt TriCaster product line includes models for practically any application, from on-premise production to cloud and software-based solutions. So, where does the TriCaster stand in the pantheon of paradigm-shifting technologies for video production? McLendon argues it revolutionized the idea of doing full productions in one integrated system.

"I think the fact that you now see so many multitasking products is a testament to the founders seeing an opportunity to make video production easy and affordable," he offered. "That's the legacy, because the TriCaster concept was so simple. It is one system that has multiple capabilities, enabling customers to avoid having to buy and learn five different systems. What was once a disruptor is now the most cost-effective and efficient way to produce and distribute professional audio and video content.”

Planar introduced the Komodo Series, a family of ultra-fine pixel pitch Chip-on-Board (COB) MicroLED video-wall displays engineered for high indoor visual performance and long-term reliability for corporate, meeting spaces, video production, private cinema, and other environments that demand the ultimate visual performance.

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Available in 0.7, 0.9 and 1.2mm pixel pitches, the Planar Komodo Series features a DCI-p3 color gamut for professional-grade color reproduction and 1,000 nits of brightness to support dynamic image reproduction in any indoor environment. The Planar Komodo Series is powered by Megapixel’s HELIOS LED Processing Platform, supporting video standards and delivering modular and flexible inputs to allow for endless creativity. Developed from the ground up by Planar and Megapixel, Planar Komodo Series features LED display cabinet electronics specifically designed to fully leverage the Megapixel platform.

“We are truly setting a new standard for visual excellence with the Planar Komodo Series,” said CEO at Planar Sidney Rittenberg. “Designed for the most demanding audiences, the Planar Komodo Series delivers a top-of-the-line video wall solution like nothing else available today. This is the first result of our partnership with Megapixel, and we are proud to be presenting the future of LED with another leader in the industry.”

In addition to 100 Gbps (G) ST2110 capability, a standard developed by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) to define professional media over an IP network, Planar Komodo Series features an upgradable design to support future standards and can be configured to meet customer application needs.

The Planar Komodo Series is designed to support today’s most in-demand formats, including 16:9 and 21:9. With the ability to build video walls from native Full HD and 4K to 8K and ultra-wide 5K, the flagship COB LED family delivers scalable, future-ready visual performance.

In corporate and education applications that benefit from ultra-wide 5K resolution, the Planar Komodo Series is ideal for conferencing, unified communications and hybrid collaboration. For applications demanding expansive or panoramic viewing experiences, it delivers an immersive, cinematic-scale seamless display that maximizes visual impact.

Planar Komodo Series features the latest advancements in COB technology, including improved color accuracy, high pixel density, sharper imagery and deeper blacks. In addition to an advanced manufacturing process that sorts and pairs only uniform LEDs together, eliminating abnormalities, Planar Komodo Series uses an alternating LED orientation to produce improved viewing angles and color uniformity. This helps ensure the highest quality viewing experiences, while enhancing the inherent benefits of COB technology.

“With more COB LED displays appearing in the market, we wanted to offer customers a video wall solution that uplevels the performance currently available,” said Robert Detwiler, senior director of product management at Planar. “The new Planar Komodo Series is our response. We are proud to bolster our selection of COB LED solutions with a high-end offering that is differentiated by an innovative alternating LED pattern that results in uncompromised visual performance, on top of the incredible power efficiency and durability users want in a COB LED display product.”

LG Electronics USA has launched the LG MAGNIT ProAV Series MicroLED displays (LSAP series) with Megapixel’s HELIOS LED Processing Platform. This platform unlocks advanced user-experience (UX) and user-interface (UI) functionalities including real-time mapping, multi-user control, superior color control, hyper-speed seam correction (via game controller), monitoring, and diagnostics. LG is also expanding its all-in-one dvLED (LAAA series) portfolio, adding new 163 and 136-inch LG MAGNIT All-In-One 4K models.

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“Our new LSAP MicroLED displays are important innovative additions to our existing range of LG MAGNIT models,” said Michael Kosla, B2B senior vice president at LG Electronics USA. “With Megapixel’s HELIOS processing platform, these LG MAGNIT displays have the capability to utilize powerful UX and UI functionalities, providing system integrators and end users with even more control and an excellent overall user experience.”

The HELIOS LED Processing Platform adds advanced control and management capabilities to the LG MAGNIT LSAP MicroLED displays. Features include real-time mapping, support for multiple users, color adjustment tools, seam correction options using a game controller, and built-in monitoring and diagnostic functions.

LG MAGNIT ProAV Series MicroLED displays are available now in three models: LSAP007, LSAP009 and LSAP012, with pixel pitches of 0.78mm, 0.94mm and 1.25mm, respectively. The improved displays feature a series of significant upgrades, including high-performance refresh rates and lifelike color reproduction.

The LSAP012 now features double the refresh rate, making it ideal for high-performance environments. Due to its high refresh rate options, LSAP is the easy choice because of its clear reproduction of fast-moving images on the screen (e.g., boardrooms and home theaters) and for its exceptional video capture on camera (e.g., virtual production and broadcast studios).

The new LAAA 163-inch (0.9mm pixel pitch) and 136-inch (1.5mm pixel pitch) LG MAGNIT All-In-One 4K models further expand LG’s LAAA series portfolio, which includes an embedded controller simplifying the installation. Control of these displays is as easy as using the infrared remote control or integrating them into a high-end AV Touch Control system via IP commands. These displays include integrated loudspeakers.

Built-in Quad Core SoC (System on Chip) executes several tasks at once, for providing smooth content playback; and LG’s webOS smart platform enhances user convenience with its intuitive user interface, provides system integrators and developers simple app development tools such as SDK (Software Development Kit) and SCAP (Signage Common Application Platform).

Planar recently introduced the next-generation Planar UltraRes P Series, enhancing its line of large format 4K LCD displays with improved image color, clarity and commercial reliability.

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Available in 49, 55, 65, 75, 86, and 98-inch sizes, the next-generation Planar UltraRes P Series features 700-nit brightness, a 24x7 fanless design and support for 4K HDR content, combining superior image performance with commercial reliability. This makes the product well-suited for environments that require an exceptional visual experience for extended or continuous operation such as control rooms, lobbies, media rooms, conference rooms and meeting rooms.

The upgraded Planar UltraRes P Series maintains the product’s multi-source viewing with Planar MediaPlex Plus processing while adding wide color gamut and interactive touch models. As a result, customers experience vibrant visuals and can simultaneously view up to four content sources in picture-in-picture, dual or quad layouts. Interactive touch models feature optically-bonded projected capacitive 50-point touch for enhanced collaboration.

The displays offer a 90% NTSC (National Television System Committee) video format standard as well as numerous local dimming zones to showcase dynamic content. The large format LCD displays are compliant with the Trade Agreement Act (TAA) and can be mounted in landscape or portrait orientation, supporting greater deployment versatility and creativity in content development.

Big NDI news in the PTZ realm. All of Telycam's professional PTZ cameras, including the Explore, Vision+, and Drive+ series, now come with built-in NDI HX support. This expansion enhances performance and addresses the growing demand for seamless interoperability between devices and software over standard IP networks.

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"We're proud to deepen our strategic relationship with NDI," said Aaron Xia, CEO of Telycam. "This upgrade enhances our products' competitiveness and provides customers with more flexible and powerful tools for their production needs. We have been at the forefront of NDI adoption for a long time, and we believe that expanding this across all of our models will give Telycam an even stronger edge in the global PTZ camera market."

With this expanded NDI support, users can transmit high-quality, low-latency video over IP for live production, streaming, and recording, simplifying workflows and reducing setup complexity. NDI delivers easy-to-deploy, low-latency, high-performance connectivity, making integration into any device or workflow straightforward.

"It's exciting to see Telycam integrate NDI across its full PTZ camera lineup, raising the bar to meet the evolving needs of creators and system integrators," said Miguel Coutinho, head of NDI. "Working alongside the Telycam team supports our goal of setting new benchmarks for video-over-IP connectivity and delivering innovative, reliable solutions that empower the global AV and broadcast communities."

Marshall Electronics introduced its first dual-sensor/dual-lens, PTZ/POV camera, the CV625, which is available in both black and white. This latest addition to the CV600 line of cameras brings both a PTZ and a POV wide angle into a single 4K tracking camera. The combination can produce simultaneous close-up and wide views, picture-in-picture outputs plus enhanced AI tracking.

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The CV625 has 25X zoom, video output up to UHD60 and 4K auto tracking. Featuring a high-performance 8-Megapixel 1/1.8-inch sensor, the CV625 can capture and deliver clear images up to 3840x2160 resolution at 60 frames per second (fps). The ability to automatically track, follow and frame presenters using AI technology is enhanced by the dual image capture, which makes the camera aware of the number of people in a shot even when the PTZ is zoomed in on a closeup. The panoramic POV image can be output as picture-in-picture or separately.

When used as a manually controlled PTZ camera, the wide image can be very helpful for an operator to understand what is happening in the room. The CV625 offers a wide range of program outputs including 4K HDMI/RTSP streaming, Full HD 3G-SDI, Ethernet and USB 3.0, making it a versatile solution for many applications from AV to broadcast.

The camera’s AI auto tracking follow-and-frame function is designed to be proactive and predictive. This cutting-edge technology allows it to follow and frame presenters with natural and smooth maneuvers. Combining the ability to pan, tilt and zoom, the system uses AI to recognize faces and learn the movement dynamics of the subject, thereby anticipating motion and ensuring accurate following and framing with smooth transitions. The AI tracking prevents the camera from “jumping” to another person who may enter the frame. The AI processing also enhances auto focus, avoiding focus “breathing.”

“We are excited to expand on our CV600 series, as the brand-new CV625 and the recently released CV612 both feature AI track and follow capabilities,” said Robert Ramos, West Coast regional sales manager, Marshall Electronics. “Giving our customers the ability to use the 4K auto-tracking feature along with the panoramic camera to capture the perfect presentation is ideal for a wide variety of applications, including broadcast, higher education, courtrooms and anywhere else high-quality PTZ cameras are used."

Disguise has unveiled its GX 3+. Built on NVIDIA’s Blackwell GPU architecture and including a two-year Notch playback license, the GX 3+ unlocks the full capabilities of Notch 1.0 for generative content playback—enabling video designers to create richer, more sophisticated and responsive event visuals that bring their vision to life without compromise.

[Want to Drive F1? Disguise Can Make That Happen... Kind Of]

With exceptional generative graphics power and a 175% increase in Notchmarks, the GX 3+ will enable content teams, show designers, and programmers to playback Notch blocks with their intended resolution, color fidelity and frame rate, allowing them to realize the full potential of their creative vision. Creators can unlock powerful features in Notch 1.0—from advanced ray tracing and real-time global illumination to complex geometry, physics simulations and seamless multi-machine rendering—pioneering new visions for the future of live events and immersive experiences, and drawing audiences further into the performance.

The expansion to 96GB of VRAM in the NVIDIA Blackwell GPU eliminates memory bottlenecks that have historically constrained high-resolution productions. Combined with Notch 1.0's new sparse multi-grid solver, this enables vastly more detailed real-time particle systems and fluid simulations to be brought to life.

The GX 3+ also empowers users to up the complexity of their visuals, with the power to render 40% more video layers on Designer projects at 4K DCI 30fps when compared to the GX 3—meaning users can quickly build more intricate looks for their shows before compositing them in real-time on the Designer timeline. This will result in richer, more cinematic content for the audience, as well as the ability to exercise greater content control on a layer-by-layer basis directly in Designer, ultimately saving valuable production time while maximizing visual impact.

“Our GX range has already powered everything from Adele’s Guinness world record-breaking Munich residency, to Coldplay’s multi-year Music Of The Spheres tour,” said Disguise’s Tom Rockhill, chief operating officer. “With the GX 3+, we are introducing a fundamental shift with the NVIDIA Blackwell GPU that will enable creative teams to expand their horizons and redefine what’s possible when it comes to live entertainment visuals. Whatever your vision, with the GX 3+ you’ll have all the power needed to go from screen to stage without compromise. The only limit is your imagination.”

To help users experience the full impact of Notch 1.0 from the get-go, the GX 3+ will come with a selection of ready-to-use Notch Blocks created by Disguise’s Creative Services team. These visuals will showcase the latest Notch capabilities, including elevated lighting fidelity and complex particle systems.

“Notch 1.0 represents three years of forward-thinking development, built with next-generation GPU architecture in mind. Its state-of-the-art NURA rendering system brings new levels of rendering fidelity alongside vastly improved scales,” said Luke Malcolm, co-founder and COO at Notch. “The convergence of the GX 3+ and Notch 1.0 creates a pivotal moment where creative possibilities leap ahead of current industry standards. Coupled with Disguise’s full ecosystem and 20+ year heritage in driving the biggest live events and experiences in the world, this will give users the opportunity to explore the full creative potential of Notch’s new tools using an established workflow, and step into the future of generative content.”

Just Add Power has launched its MC-TX1-RACK, designed to simplify and accelerate video installations. The MC-TX1-RACK combines three MaxColor encoders into a single rackmount chassis, providing a cleaner and more efficient way to manage multiple video sources. The product supports 4K60 4:4:4 resolution and all audio formats, and its Audio Return Channel (ARC) functionality ensures smooth two-way audio integration.

[AVoIP and KVM in the Control Room]

The MC-TX1-RACK is a space-saving solution that simplifies cable management, reduces clutter, and speeds up installations in various environments, from compact setups to large-scale AV over IP systems. It is built upon the proven capabilities of the award-winning MC-TX1 MaxColor encoder and is the first product in the MaxColor lineup to integrate three encoders into one compact chassis without sacrificing performance.

“The MC-TX1-RACK is a direct response to customer needs, offering a unique, space-saving solution that simplifies complex installations while delivering the high-performance AV distribution Just Add Power is known for,” said Ed Qualls, CEO of Just Add Power. “This innovation reinforces our role as a leader in AV over IP by making high-performance video distribution more efficient for any size system without compromising on quality or scalability.”

The MC-TX1-RACK is a fully assembled, ready-to-install 3 RU solution with front-facing ports for easy access. Centralized Power over Ethernet (PoE) simplifies installation by eliminating the need for separate power supplies. By centralizing multiple encoders in one chassis, the MC-TX1-RACK reduces potential points of failure and simplifies troubleshooting, leading to more reliable system performance.

The MC-TX1-RACK is part of the Just Add Power MaxColor ecosystem and is designed to be used alongside Just Add Power decoders for complete video distribution. The unit's adaptable design also supports future expansion, making it ideal for evolving installations.

Vizrt has updated Viz Engine with new capabilities to help customers create once, adapt automatically, and publish everywhere, without duplicating work or juggling multiple systems.

[When's the Last Time You Considered Your Brand?]

As audiences demand the same high-quality experience whether they’re watching on TV, streaming on mobile, or engaging on social media, the pace of multi-platform delivery is accelerating. Viz Engine 5.4 meets this challenge head-on, collapsing production complexity, reduce costs, and giving teams more time to focus on storytelling.

“In today’s media landscape, if you’re not moving forward, you’re already behind,” said Caroline Cardozo, VP, product management Vizrt. “Audiences want more content, on more platforms, faster than ever – and they don’t care that teams are being asked to do this with the same people and budget. Viz Engine 5.4 flips that script. It cuts through bottlenecks, eliminates compromises and brings every ounce of your creative power into one, seamless workflow. This isn’t just another version; it’s a step change. From keeping pace… to setting the pace in the broadcast revolution.”

From stadium-wide LED walls to immersive studio backdrops, producers can now drive up to 8K visuals today (and be ready for 16K tomorrow) from a single Viz Engine and a fiber connection. Now, with adaptive graphics that flex to any aspect ratio, one design can hit broadcast, OTT, and social simultaneously.

Whether it’s a primetime TV feed, a sports app, or a social livestream, Viz Engine 5.4 powers them all in parallel. Multiple formats run side-by-side in one workflow, so you expand your reach and revenue without multiplying your workload. Native HDR creation in Viz Artist means the vibrancy you design is the vibrancy your audience sees.

Viz Engine 5.4 also brings a wave of enhancements that boost flexibility and creative scope. With HTML5 integration, any live web content can be pulled directly into your graphics and on-air in seconds. Producers create more relevant, personalized broadcasts that keep viewers watching longer and keep them coming back. Plus, support for Unreal Engine 5.4 and 5.5 enables hyper-realistic virtual sets and richer visual detail.

Bluefin has introduced COLORFRAME, a new option that lets customers choose from dozens of RAL color finishes for their screen frames. This addition allows clients to tailor not only the size, specifications, and operating system of their displays, but now the frame color as well.

[Digital Signage Continues to Thrive]

Digital signage is no longer just an information tool; it has become an aesthetic feature in modern interiors. By offering color customization, Bluefin empowers customers to integrate displays into a space’s overall look, creating cohesive, on-brand environments in retail, hospitality, corporate, and public settings.

COLORFRAME is Bluefin’s answer to the emerging market need for frames to integrate seamlessly with their space or make a visual statement. “COLORFRAME is about giving clients one more way to make their vision a reality,” said Tim Bailey, COO of Bluefin International. “It’s exciting to extend our ‘If we can, we will’ motto into the realm of colored frames both affordably and at scale.”

For interior designers, architects, and brand managers, COLORFRAME extends creative freedom into the technology itself. Whether matching a brand’s exact color palette or complementing an interior design scheme, frame colors can help digital signage blend in or stand out; turning functional displays into intentional design elements.

Customers can combine COLORFRAME with Bluefin’s FLEX-OS platform, embedding their preferred operating system (BrightSign, Intel, or Android) into any display. With COLORFRAME, the frame itself becomes part of the brand story. Before a single pixel lights up, your digital signage is already making an impression.

Alfatron Electronics is miking the conferencing experience more intuitive and seamless. Introducing the ALF-MU4K HUB which supports 4K resolutions, USB 3.2 for maximum speed and efficiency, plus control via TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) for the GUI (Graphical User Interface), the ALF-MU4K Hub takes efficiency and advanced control to a new level.

[5 Reasons to Subscribe to the SCN Newsletter]

The new ALF-MU4K Hub is designed to support the latest equipment and the highest signal resolutions and transfer speeds. This includes HDMI 2.0 with support for 18 Gbps bandwidth that enables 4K Ultra HD video at 60 fps 4:4:4. Further, the unit supports HDCP 2.3, which is the latest version of High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, and the hub is also backward compatible.

When multiple signal sources are connected, the ability to seamlessly switch between them is essential. In this regard, the ALF-MU4K Hub excels. The hub’s Multiview function provides selection among various modes, and the user can define those settings, such as the ability to see all four input sources prior to making a selection. To ensure intuitive operation, the hub provides KVM switching among two computers at 10 Gbps. KVM auto-switching is based on TMDS/5V detection and KVM supports hot-key control at the USB2.0 port. The ALF-MU4K Hub provides 4 USB ports with the ability to handle up to USB 3.2 and there is also a single USB 2.0 KVM port.

Additional connectivity on the ALF-MU4K Hub includes USB C as well as HDMI inputs with Host USB ports for Unified Connectivity. It should also be noted that Ethernet is enabled for all USB C and B Host ports.

Additional functions of the new ALF-MU4K Hub include versatile control via the TCP/IP (GUI), RS232, or GPIO with a 3rd party control system. The hub supports auto switching for the inputs and EDID (Extended Display Identification Data). HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) management is handled via DIP switches. TCP/IP is to allow the firmware upgrade to be done over the network and to be discoverable via a third-party management system.

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America has unveiled three new, innovative MultiSync PN-ME2 displays, complementing the ME Series display lineup launched in early 2024. These displays come in three sizes: 75-inch Class PN-ME752 (74 ½-inch diagonal), 86-inch Class PN-ME862 (85 6/10-inch diagonal) and 98-inch Class PN-ME982 (97 ½-inch diagonal). These were designed with corporate or educational environments in mind, but can showcase advertising or entertaining content as well.

[What We Learned at AV/IT Summit 2025]

The new, larger-sized PN-ME2 displays bring a reliable, high-end visual experience with 450 nits of brightness to keep viewers engaged. These models have anti-reflective, high haze panels along with a new, slimmer mechanical design that provides up to an 18% decrease in depth from previous models, allowing fit in any environments. Designed with ease-of-use and versatility in mind to make the PN-ME displays a great fit for customers who want to showcase their content in either landscape or portrait orientation.

Ideal for tech-driven environments, the PN-ME displays feature an integrated USB-C connection for all your audio/visual needs, including a DisplayPort Alt Mode and upstream capabilities via an integrated USB Hub. The units are also based off System-On-Chip (SOC) architecture for greater flexibility in content deployment as well as including an integrated browser with gigabyte speeds for internet.

The MultiSync PN-ME displays have 32GB of storage (total capacity including operating system) to house content within the product itself. The displays include an 18/7 runtime, an advanced media player to schedule content and the capability to set up to seven different schedules to power the display on or off and to define a source for independent operation. In addition, its Energy Star 8.0 certification makes the PN-ME display an ideal choice for businesses that are conscious of their environmental footprint.

AVer Information unveiled the TR615, a next-generation 4K AI Auto Tracking PTZ camera designed for professional broadcasting, premium live streaming and live event production. Featuring a large 1-inch Sony Exmor RS CMOS sensor, ultra-smooth PTZ motion and advanced AI-powered tracking technology, the TR615 delivers cinematic video quality and intelligent automation for a wide range of professional applications.

[13 All-In-One Displays, Explained]

The AVer TR615 incorporates AI algorithms that support Presenter Tracking, Zone Tracking, and Hybrid Tracking. Together, the enhanced-AI features automatically and accurately follow presenters as they move, ensuring consistent framing and focus throughout presentations, interviews or performances. Whether capturing fast movements on stage or smoothly tracking a speaker across a lecture hall, the TR615 provides stable and professional-grade footage without the need for manual camera operation.

Powered by a 1-inch Sony Exmor RS CMOS sensor, the TR615 captures 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, with high clarity, low-light performance, and vibrant color reproduction. The TR615's large-format sensor allows for greater light sensitivity and more cinematic depth, resulting in lifelike visuals with minimal noise. Combined with a 19X optical zoom and 12X digital zoom, users can achieve pixel-perfect close-ups even at long distances, which is ideal for sports broadcasting, studio production and large venue events where every detail matters.

“The R615 brings together the latest in AI tracking and broadcast imaging to support today’s demand for high-quality, automated video production,” said Mike Garcen, senior director of product for AVer . “With its cinema-grade 4K image quality, smooth PTZ functionality and robust integration options, the TR615 enables professionals to capture and stream content with precision and ease.”

Designed for flexibility across various environments, the TR615 is built to integrate seamlessly into existing AV and IP workflows. The TR615 supports multiple output formats, including dual 12G-SDI, HDMI, USB and 3G-SDI, along with Genlock for multi-camera synchronization and XLR input for professional audio. The TR615 supports NDI|HX3 and Free-D, enabling smooth IP streaming and compatibility with virtual production systems. With Dante AV-H capabilities, the camera can be easily incorporated into AV-over-IP networks, offering versatile deployment options for studios, classrooms, houses of worship and government or corporate settings.

Meeting today's demand for smarter, more adaptable display tech, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America has unveiled the new PN-E Series—a new lineup of commercial-grade displays, built to meet the evolving needs of digital signage, workplace collaboration and dynamic information sharing.

[13 All-in-One Displays, Explained]

The PN-E Series packs seven screen sizes—32, 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, and 86-inch Class sizes—designed for lighting up retail spaces, energizing classrooms, or commanding boardrooms. The PN-E Series is engineered for flexibility and visual impact. High haze panels reduce glare, while its minimalist four-sided bezel ensures streamlined viewing.

With UHD 3840x2160 resolution (Full HD for 32 inches), 350 nits of brightness, and support for landscape, portrait, and 0-±20-degree tilt orientations, the PN-E Series fits seamlessly into a variety of settings. Dual HDMI 2.0 inputs, a USB-C input, and an integrated media player, enable plug-and-play simplicity with high-quality performance.

Built tough with metal bezels, high haze anti-glare panels, and rated for 16/7 operation, these displays deliver next-level reliability—and they're backed by Sharp's three-year limited commercial warranty. The PN-E Series also supports both Sharp and NEC's legacy command protocols, making them a smart, scalable fit for both enterprise rollouts and one-off installs.

"With the PN-E Series, we set out to cut the complexity and give integrators and end-users exactly what they need— rock-solid displays with impressive performance that blend perfectly with other tech," said Patrick Dure, associate product manager, SIICA. "Whether it's enhancing a classroom or supporting a retail signage network, this essential series offers the perfect balance of quality, versatility and value."

Purpose-built to perform across a wide range of industries, including enterprise, retail environments, K–12 education, and houses of worship, the PN-E Series is a great option for digital signage networks, corporate collaboration spaces, and higher ed environments.

elektraLite has introduced the Aero Mini. This compact and lightweight pro-grade fixture utilizes a single 100-watt, 9000K white COB LED on a liquid-cooled system for optimum temperature control and near-silent operation, perfect for use in quiet environments.

[A Record-Setting Pixel Count and Brightness]

The Aero Mini is ideal for any environment, from churches and schools to theaters, performing arts centers, and corporate events. Compact enough for tight spaces, it is a full-featured tool that fits the bill when strong intensity, reliability, and diversity are key.

The Aero Mini is big on features, which include a dimmer, strobe, focus, color wheel—with seven colors, plus open white—and a five-facet prism with rotation in either direction. A rotating gobo wheel with indexing capability can accommodate six gobos, making for perfect static positioning of the gobo by using a dedicated channel to position the gobo precisely. Gobo wheels—four steel and two glass—are also interchangeable for any custom gobo requirement.

“Our new Aero Mini is a fantastic little fixture for throwing gobos, and its silent operation allows it to be deployed in sound-sensitive spaces without any concerns,” said Brandon Tsaptsinos, Group One Limited’s national sales manager for the elektraLite brand. “And with its amazing price point, which is approximately 80 percent less than our full-sized Aero, you’d be hard pressed to find another fixture on the market that can match its output and feature set for your money.”

Offering a CRI of 95, the Aero Mini’s beam angle is set at 14 degrees, while Pan (540 degrees) and Tilt (270 degrees) at 16-bit resolution make movement control both accurate and smooth. The fixture’s software has inbuilt pre-programmed shows for instant operational success, and a variety of control options are offered, including DMX protocol, master/slave, automatic (using the inbuilt shows), manual (allowing the operator to “set and forget”), or sound activated. Power consumption is an efficient 115 watts running and AC can be from 100v-240v, 50/60Hz.

Housed in a durable steel H-frame chassis with ABS plastic outer surround, the IP20-rated Aero Mini features a standard U-clamp with quarter-turn cam locks for secure mounting. Incredibly compact, the fixture measures 14.5 inches (37 cm) by 7.5 inches (19 cm) by 10.5 inches (27 cm), and weighs only 14 pounds (6.4 kgs).

A standard IEC Edison plug provides power input, while control is via five-pin XLR in and through. On the front panel, an LCD display provides information concerning the fixture’s menus, profiles, and channel assignments.

All-in-one powerhouse displays offer efficient, high-quality visual solutions for various environments. These displays aim to simplify complex setups and provide crisp, clear imagery even in bright settings. They often feature narrow pixel pitches, high resolutions, and wide color gamuts for vivid and detailed visuals. Many incorporate technologies to reduce reflectivity and expand viewing angles.

Key advantages include ease of installation, portability, and flexible expandability. Some models are designed with foldable structures, enabling speedy setup, transportation, and compact storage, often accompanied by protective cases. Connectivity options are versatile to ensure compatibility with different devices. These integrated solutions often combine display, audio, video conferencing, processing, and computing systems into a single device, making them an optimal choice for efficiency in meeting scenarios. They are designed for long-term, stable operation and robust protection against impact, dust, and moisture.

Below are 13 all-in-one displays for 2025.

Absen All-in-One X163 V2 4K Series

Absen’s X163 V2 4K Series transforms the all-in-one LED display experience, delivering native 4K resolution, interactive touch capability, and seamless deployment in a single, elegant package. Built to eliminate unnecessary complexity, this next-generation platform streamlines installation, operation, and maintenance without compromising performance or aesthetics. The X163 V2 4K Series is purpose-built for corporate boardrooms, higher education environments, executive lobbies, and collaborative retail spaces. The X Series ships as a complete solution. Every unit includes an integrated controller, built-in power supply, precision audio system, and all essential display components; no additional hardware required. Installation takes hours, not days – drastically reducing labor time and deployment risk. Its integrated lift-type control box supports an impressive 97 percent screen-to-body ratio while ensuring rapid access for servicing in under five minutes without removing the panel. Flexibility is built into the foundation of the X163 V2 4K Series, as it can be wall-mounted, placed on a mobile stand, or paired with an electric height-adjustable bracket. The X163 V2 4K Series features a high-precision infrared touch system that supports natural, responsive engagement with no need for overlays or third-party tools.

DTEN’s D7X 27

DTEN’s D7X 27 redefines workplace versatility. It is a powerful, all-in-one collaboration solution designed to meet the demands of today’s hybrid and dynamic work environments with minimal IT complexity. With a sleek, 27-inch capacitive touchscreen and advanced audiovisual features, it’s a flexible endpoint that adapts across ever-changing digital use cases, including kiosks, contact centers, collaboration, and office wayfinding. Designed on a robust Android 12 compute platform, the D7X 27 integrates a multi-microphone array, three-camera system with 50MP center camera, and enterprise-grade speakers to ensure clear video and audio in one-on-one or small-space deployments. The high-precision, touch-enabled display supports both standalone operation and BYOD workflows via USB-C, providing users with a second monitor experience, device charging, and peripheral connectivity.

LG's LAPA Series

LG Electronics USA has expanded its dvLED portfolio with the launch of new 136-inch and 163-inch All-in-One DVLED displays (LAPA series), designed for fast, one-day installation.

LG’s latest LAPA series models feature a true all-in-one design, combining built-in loudspeakers, embedded webOS controllers, and a simplified power and signal setup that requires just a single standard AC plug. This streamlined configuration saves time and labor for technology integrators, enabling a full installation in just one day. Each DVLED module attaches easily to the supplied landscape wall mount using the provided tools, and once secured, a single power cord powers the entire display – simplifying connections and ensuring a clean, tidy installation.

“These two new models make LED a reality for virtually any organization, with one-day-install and effortless ‘plug-and-play’ setup supporting unlimited usage scenarios,” said Tom Bingham, director of B2B vertical markets at LG Electronics USA. “Built-in webOS and quad-core increase the simplicity at the heart of these models, making them the ideal solution for both integrators and end users.”

Combining ease of installation with exceptional performance, the LAPA series delivers Full HD (1920×1080) resolution, 500-nit brightness, and fine pixel pitches of 1.56mm (136-inch) and 1.88mm (163-inch), offering vibrant, high-clarity visuals for a wide range of commercial environments.

For added convenience, an optional dedicated stand is available, allowing users to position their display depending upon installation requirements easily. Additionally, the LAPA series can be seamlessly arranged side-by-side in a 1×N configuration, accommodating up to 10 screens to suit the specific installation site and purpose.

Nanolumens Captivate Series

Nanolumens Captivate Series is an all-in-one display solution engineered to elevate collaboration across corporate, education and public environments.

Available in three optimized configurations, the latest Captivate Series combines a high-performance display, precision-engineered mount and streamlined remote control into one turnkey unit. By removing the complexity of traditional installations, Captivate delivers plug-and-play simplicity, enabling effortless deployment and immediate impact. The display is offered in three sizes to suit a variety of applications, including a 135-inch Full HD model ideal for mid-size conference rooms and classrooms, a 165-inch Full HD version tailored for larger collaboration spaces and executive boardrooms, and an 162-inch Ultra HD 4K display that offers immersive resolution for high-end environments.

Designed to support intuitive, dynamic collaboration, the new Captivate makes it easy for participants to share and connect from any device, whether using Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS. With built-in wireless functionality, users can present content from anywhere in the room, creating a more inclusive and engaging experience for every attendee. The display integrates seamlessly with major conferencing platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Webex, and features built-in audio and control systems to ensure meetings run smoothly right out of the box.

Neat’s Neat Board Pro

Neat’s Neat Board Pro delivers a vivid display of power through a 65-inch multi-touch screen and naturally adaptive, far-reaching audio and video for immersive meeting experiences in one elegant device. It offers a range of extendable capabilities, collaboration applications, and uniquely flexible mounting options, and is perfect for medium to large meeting spaces. Its streamlined, all-in-one design ensures a fast setup, tidy workspace, ease of use, and little required maintenance. Anyone can set it up and get going within minutes, and with just a power output, you won't need to run additional cables across the room, minimizing complexity and clutter.

[Winners Announced: Best of Show at InfoComm 2025 for AV Technology]

Optoma’s ProScene FHDC135 dvLED Display

Optoma’s ProScene FHDC135 dvLED Display offers a quick and energy-efficient solution for exceptional performance in corporate, enterprise, education, house of worship, and retail environments. The FHDC135 is powered by efficient Flip Chip Chip-on-Board (COB) technology to maximize 700 nits of brightness and enhance light efficiency for cooler operations, ensuring consistent performance and longevity. It delivers exceptional clarity and depth—even in bright environments—and a 3,840Hz refresh rate ensures smooth motion with reduced flickering. The FHDC135 arrives pre-calibrated and with pre-assembled, lightweight LED columns that eliminate the hassle of complex cabinet configurations while reducing installation time—and the flight case makes transportation easy.

Panasonic Projector and Display Americas’ All-In-One dvLED AD Series

Panasonic Projector and Display Americas’ All-In-One dvLED AD Series saves time and reduces labor, all while offering reliable AIO-LED for crisp, clear imagery—even in bright environments. The solution responds to the demand for narrow-pitch indoor LEDs that support flexible installation and expandability with high operability and long-term, stable operation. The All-In-One dvLED AD Series includes a 137- or 165-inch all-in-one LED display that combines high visibility and ease of installation, inheriting the high image processing technology and usability developed for professional LCD displays. The addition of an LED display gives users the freedom to choose the most suitable video display device for their environment and application.

Philips Professional Displays’ Philips Unite LED 6015

Philips Professional Displays’ (PPDS) Philips Unite LED 6015 stands as a breakthrough in advanced all-in-one (AIO) LED displays that has to be seen to be believed. Combining unparalleled flexibility and sustainability together with the latest advances in cutting-edge screen technology and eye-catching, stylish design—the innovative Philips Unite LED 6015 AIO effortlessly delivers best-in-class visual performances in any space. Its foldable design makes for speedy installation, portability between spaces or even sites, easy transportation, and compact storage. The 6015 can also be ordered with a bespoke flight case, protecting all parts of the display during storage and transport, including special protection for the screen.

Planar UltraRes L Series

Planar UltraRes L Series Full HD resolution all-in-one MicroLED and LED displays combine the ease-of-use and best-in-class processing of the Planar UltraRes family with award-winning Planar fine pixel pitch LED technology as an ideal replacement to projection in meeting rooms and classrooms. The display comes with a wall mount and can be quickly assembled with only two people. It features on-board processing, audio, power from a standard 110V outlet, native multi-point touch, and multiple inputs to support simultaneous viewing of up to four content sources. An optional rolling floor stand is available.

Integrated speakers, native interactive touch, and multiple inputs support simple content sharing and collaboration, while the intuitive column LED design makes setup and maintenance a breeze.

The Planar UltraRes L Series is available in three sizes (109, 122, and 136 inches).

QSTECH’s XWALL V3 135-Inch 4K LED AIO Display

QSTECH’s XWALL V3 135-Inch 4K LED AIO Display is a dedicated conference room product that integrates display, audio amplification, video conferencing, video processing, and computing systems into a single device. This all-in-one solution addresses issues of complex audiovisual equipment setups and inconvenient operations in meeting scenarios, making it the optimal choice for efficiency. Featuring a 0.7mm pixel pitch and 4K ultra-high resolution, it incorporates the latest Hyber-bit 2.0 technology across all series. With 110 percent NTSC wide color gamut and 15,000:1 contrast ratio, the display delivers vivid, richly detailed visuals. Additionally, COB optical film technology and matte surface treatment reduce reflectivity by 60 percent, while the soft light source expands viewing angles.

Sharp's LD-AF Series

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation (SEC), launched its new All-In-One Direct View LED displays. The LD-AF Series furthers Sharp's LED display portfolio with its enhanced features and seamless integration across Sharp's product line, making it ideal for corporate or education environments.

The All-In-One Direct View LED displays, available in two sizes of 138 and 165 inches (diagonal), provide a seamless image with the high-quality contrast and brightness expected from dvLED. Unlike traditional LED displays, these models offer an easy, hassle-free installation process and can be set up in as little as two hours, with no special training required. Additionally, the plug-and-play functionality allows for a simple, efficient experience in areas like classrooms, conference rooms, and meeting spaces.

Designed to be user-friendly, the LED All-In-One models feature elements from Sharp's PN-ME2 Series, supporting the same user interface and control protocol, as well as robust SOC functionality with NaViSet Administrator2, Crestron connected and Eshare. The models are equipped with various connection terminals, including HDMIx3 and USB-C, large-capacity speakers, and built-in Wi-Fi for wireless screen sharing and media player functionality.

SiliconCore Technology’s Mobile Foldable LED Columns

This product might fall outside the "all-in-one" category, but its ultra-portability deserves noting.

SiliconCore Technology’s Mobile Foldable LED Columns deliver high-resolution performance and ultra-portability in a sustainable, reconfigurable format. Engineered with Common Cathode IQ, each column consumes up to 50 percent less power while delivering superior brightness and lifespans exceeding 100,000 hours. Designed to fold, roll, and deploy in minutes with no rigging or calibration, they empower more users to access premium LED performance without infrastructure limitations. From hybrid studios to mobile activations, these columns democratize advanced visual technology, enabling scalable, energy-efficient installations wherever inspiration strikes.

ViewSonic’s LDS Series

The LDS Series is a mobile, all-in-one solution that arrives pre-assembled in a flight case for fast, flexible deployment—ideal for events and temporary installations.

The LDS138-151 mobile dvLED display is a game-changer for event-driven and retail environments. It sets up in minutes—no wall mounts or technical crew required. Simply unfold, plug into a standard 20-amp outlet, and deliver stunning visuals on demand.

Universities are embracing dvLED to transform large venues like auditoriums and gymnasiums into high-impact communication hubs. With easy operation and durable builds, these systems thrive in high-traffic settings where reliability matters most.

dvLED once came with a steep learning curve and hefty installation costs. That’s no longer the case. Thanks to advancements in design and manufacturing, dvLED is now both more affordable and easier to deploy.

“dvLED technology is improving as prices come down, which opens up new opportunities for higher education, large conference rooms, and public spaces,” said Shane Roma, technical product manager at ViewSonic. “Our all-in-one systems make video walls seamless and easier than ever to specify and install.”

Roma also pointed to ViewSonic’s integration of GOB (Glue-On-Board) technology, which enhances durability—making dvLED a strong choice even in high-touch or public areas.

In 1991, SMART Technologies introduced interactive video displays commonly known as "smartboards," even though the company refers to them as "SMART Boards." That’s the curse of being a leader in your field: Like Kleenex, SMART Technologies pioneered their market segment so well that their product name became synonymous with a commodity.

Fast forward to 2025: Today, a wide range of companies have joined SMART Technologies in producing smartboards, which are in great demand in business, educational, and government settings. Here are the trends that are driving the industry, as told to SCN by its top players.

Better Engagement

Talk to smartboard manufacturers and they’ll provide you with a laundry list of trends that are driving smartboard design and development. Case in point: “A few trends that I’ve noticed are security, ease-of-use, integration with other AV equipment, and device management features,” said Sean Liu, senior business line manager with ViewSonic Corporation. “Of these, data security is the most important. This is followed by ease-of-use and the integration of conferencing software such as Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet, since most collaboration today involves hybrid work.”

According to Sam Malik, MAXHUB’s VP of sales and marketing, the biggest trend driving smartboards these days is the ability to support "one-touch" meetings. “People want to walk into the room and easily start a meeting without delay or having any technical knowledge of how to operate the devices,” he explained.

As for SMART Technologies’ take on trends? “People are looking for working and learning environments to be more engaging and connected, no matter where they are,” said Nicholas Svensson, president and CEO. “This is what continues to drive our focus at SMART: to create simple, walk-up-and-use experiences, which helps our users engage instantly and focus more on collaboration than technology setup.”

Over at Avocor, its eye is on AI. “The rise of AI-powered features, cloud-based collaboration tools, and 4K resolution displays are accelerating the adoption of smartboards,” said Dana Corey, Avocor’s GM/SVP of global sales. “At Avocor, we see growing demand for solutions that reduce video fatigue and support real-time annotation and remote access, key to enabling inclusive, productive meetings and lessons."

“One of the biggest trends—next to AI, of course—in the workplace is a strong push for flexibility,” said Nathan Coutinho, global head of strategic partner relations and market insights, Logitech for Business. “Whether employees are working from home or brainstorming around a conference table, smartboards are increasingly becoming an important part of this mix, not only to bridge the gap between on-site and remote participants, but to adapt to virtually any space they choose to work, whether it’s a huddle room or open space."

In the education market, today’s smartboard trends are "driven by the need for increased student engagement, simplified user experiences, and future-ready learning environments,” said Victoria Sanville, director of education with LG Electronics USA. “According to a report by the Brookings Institution, technology that facilitates differentiated instruction and increases learner engagement can accelerate learning outcomes. This aligns with the growing role of smartboards as interactive, multimedia-rich platforms that connect classroom content with students’ highly digital lives.”

Finally, there’s the "bigger is better" trend. "There is a growing demand for larger displays," confirmed Dr. Micah Shippee, Samsung’s director of education solutions and channel sales. “Whereas 65-inch screens were commonplace, 75-inch boards have now become the new standard, with an increased interest in 86-inch models. This trend is driven by the need for better visibility for all learners in the classroom."

Shippee said educators also want interactive displays that can integrate easily with their existing devices. Plus, connectivity—both wired like USB-C for touch, power, and display wireless casting from laptops or mobile devices—is a major factor.

"Simplified, seamless connections help teachers use interactive displays more effectively without disrupting their established workflows. As well, there's increasing interest in bidirectional casting, which sends content from the interactive display to individual student devices. This gives every learner a ‘front-row seat,’ improving accessibility and engagement, especially in larger or more distributed classrooms.”

Special Attention

Clearly, smartboards are evolving from cutting-edge novelties to must-have necessities. Small wonder: The technology is just too useful—and fits so well with other networked AV devices—that smartboards just make sense in so many AV installations. However, not all smartboards are made equal.

For example, Liu emphasized the importance of built-in microphones and speakers, because they reduce the amount of setup needed to start videoconferencing from the smartboard. “The all-in-one concept has become very popular and in demand,” Malik added. “Displays with fully integrated microphones, multiple cameras with AI tracking capability, and built-in speakers feed that one-touch meeting concept.”

Clients also like when their smartboards can serve as giant videoconferencing systems. As a result, certification with platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom is "critical in the corporate world, where IT departments prioritize compatibility, security, and support,” said Corey.

"Whether a smartboard is being used for corporate ideating, presenting evidence in a courtroom trial, or bringing lessons to life in a classroom setting, there are universal features that are industry-agnostic,” Coutinho said. “For instance, smartboards should be easy to set up and use, support multi-touch capability, come with a stylus, and be built for deployment in a variety of settings.”

Speaking of smartboard writing instruments, Svensson said most interactive displays today, including SMART Boards, come with dedicated writing instruments along with built-in storage trays. "But what sets SMART apart is how intuitive our tools are,” he noted. “What’s important for buyers to consider is the ease of use of these tools. Does the user have to select a tool before using the pen? Can two more pens be used at one, along with a finger to write or palm to erase? After all, interactive displays should be as simple to use as old non-digital displays."

Finally, smartboards should be easy to use. “It’s not enough for a display to offer high-quality visuals or advanced features,” Sanville offered. “If the interface is too complicated, the technology simply won’t be used. That’s why standardizing interactive display systems across classrooms and schools is more important than ever. When every display operates the same way, teachers don’t waste instructional time learning new systems, and students can focus on content rather than logistics."

Getting Smarter

Clearly, there are many trends driving today's smartboard market. As for the innovations that will drive this technology forward? “One of the most exciting developments is the integration of AI-powered features,” said Svensson. “We’re incorporating tools like live transcription, adaptive learning platforms, and intelligent camera tracking into our displays, making interactive displays more connected, personalized, and effective for modern classrooms and workplaces than ever before.”

“The latest innovations include AI-enhanced collaboration tools,” Corey agreed. “They also include edge-to-edge glass designs and modular systems that adapt to different room sizes. There’s also a push toward sustainability—energy-efficient displays, recyclable materials, and longer product lifecycles.”

[4 on the Floor: Lessons from InfoComm 2025]

"What’s new in the interactive display world is a clear shift toward intentional, user-centered design that emphasizes simplicity, flexibility and ease of communication,” said Shippee. “Modern interactive displays are being developed not as complex ecosystems requiring proprietary or subscription-based software, but as tools that amplify existing communication practices.”

The bottom line: As important as smartboards are right now, they will be even more capable tomorrow. For AV designers, integrators, and installers, smartboards remain a smart AV equipment consideration.

IHSE USA has launched the Draco vario XS DisplayPort 1.2 Extender Series, the first of a new family of extenders based on the JPEG XS video codec. Building on the proven technology found in all IHSE Draco KVM systems, the series offers a new set of high-performance extenders for 4K60.

[The Integration Guide to KVM 2025]

The Draco vario XS DisplayPort 1.2 series includes solutions that are the first 4K KVM extenders to support a 60 Hz refresh rate at full color depth over a 1 Gbps bandwidth data path. The device constitutes a new generation of digital KVM signal extension using the JPEG XS video codec, developed in cooperation with Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits. This revolutionary coding technology ensures brilliant image quality at the highest video resolutions with outstanding color accuracy.

“Backwards compatible with current IHSE KVM systems, the new Draco vario XS 1.2 offers a significant cost-saving path to adding 4K/60 via the JPEG XS video codec to an existing IHSE system. Why invest again to get to the latest, most desired KVM standards when you can simply upgrade your IHSE KVM to 4K/60 at a fraction of the cost it would take to replace it,” said Greg Lenczycki, COO at IHSE USA. “Its lightning-fast processing enables glitch-free, instant source switching—reducing eye strain and eliminating video tearing common in other systems. The Draco vario XS works seamlessly with existing Draco vario classic FHD extenders, allowing 2160p60 and 1080p60 sources to be viewed simultaneously on the same 4K display. With its compact footprint and rugged chassis, it’s the ideal KVM solution for centralized switching in space-constrained environments.”

Draco vario XS extenders can be integrated into any existing IHSE Draco tera matrix system, operating at 1Gbps or/and 3Gbps. Transfer of fully digital video is supported in 4K resolutions up to 4096 x 2160 and 3840 x 2160 at a real 60-Hz refresh rate and full color depth (24 bit, 4:4:4). It also supports digital audio transmission via the DisplayPort interface, reducing the need for additional audio modules, and enabling playback of the audio signal on monitors with integrated loudspeakers. Integration of optional Draco vario upgrade modules for digital or analog audio input and output as well as data signals, such as USB 2.0 and RS-232 is also possible.

IHSE’s Draco vario XS series can be used in very large facilities for operation areas such as command and control, airport kiosks, presentation walls, surveillance rooms, mobile production operator stations and other connections requiring long distances KVM transmission between facilities such as university campuses. IHSE Draco vario extenders are available for both fiber and Cat-X infrastructures, offering inherent security and support for redundant signal paths—ideal for mission-critical workstations. The redundant options enable parallel signal transmission in backup or fully parallel configurations. The fiber link is generally resistant to electromagnetic interference , making them especially well-suited for sensitive environments such as government, military, air traffic control, and healthcare.

Nanolumens has released the next generation of its Captivate Series. Designed for simplicity, performance and power, the new Captivate is an all-in-one display solution engineered to elevate collaboration across corporate, education and public environments.

[Check Out the Largest LED Wall in the Middle East]

Available in three optimized configurations, the latest Captivate Series combines a high-performance display, precision-engineered mount and streamlined remote control into one turnkey unit. By removing the complexity of traditional installations, Captivate delivers plug-and-play simplicity, enabling effortless deployment and immediate impact. The display is offered in three sizes to suit a variety of applications, including a 135-inch Full HD model ideal for mid-size conference rooms and classrooms, a 165-inch Full HD version tailored for larger collaboration spaces and executive boardrooms and an 162-inch Ultra HD 4K display that offers immersive resolution for high-end environments.

Designed to support intuitive, dynamic collaboration, the new Captivate makes it easy for participants to share and connect from any device, whether using Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS. With built-in wireless functionality, users can present content from anywhere in the room, creating a more inclusive and engaging experience for every attendee. The display integrates seamlessly with major conferencing platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Webex, and features built-in audio and control systems to ensure meetings run smoothly right out of the box.

“Nanolumens is proud to unveil the next generation of Captivate, our all-in-one dvLED display solution that’s as stunning as it is simple,” said Kurt DeYoung, chief revenue officer for Nanolumens. “It’s the ultimate all-in-one display. It’s easy to install, even easier to use and designed to empower seamless collaboration in any space.”

Expanding the collaboration potential of Captivate, Nanolumens has partnered with AUO Display Plus' DisplayNote to integrate Montage, a wireless screen sharing solution. SCN covered that partnership in more depth in the May 12 Pro AV Newsmakers.

Navori Labs has officially release of Navori Digital Signage Software v2.12. This update introduces a suite of enhancements for corporate, retail, and advertising environments, all designed to simplify workflows and enhance digital signage performance.

[Are We on the Brink of a New Format War?]

Room booking integration offers seamless connectivity with Outlook and Google Calendar. Meeting room availability and booking details can now be displayed in real time across screens, with intelligent, rules-based triggers that adapt content based on calendar inputs. This feature supports dynamic workplace communication while centralizing scheduling within the signage ecosystem.

The Screen Control and Information function gives IT teams greater command over their display networks. When used with Navori-certified monitors and StiX 3800 media players, users gain visibility into panel specifications, power cycle status, and more—all enhanced by the platform’s built-in AI camera vision capabilities.

Navori Labs introduces Auto-Activation, a breakthrough feature designed to simplify and accelerate the rollout of digital signage networks. Now available for Samsung, LG, and ChromeOS devices, Auto-Activation enables players to automatically connect to the designated server, assign themselves a license from the appropriate group, and rename it using the device's serial number. This seamless, touch-free process drastically reduces setup time, allowing enterprise users to deploy and manage large fleets of devices with greater speed and precision.

Retailers and interactive signage operators will appreciate the new Place & Learn system—a simplified alternative to Lift & Learn. Rather than assigning one sensor per product, a single sensor can now manage multiple items, reducing hardware needs while maintaining an immersive customer experience. Content automatically updates in real time based on how customers interact with products, ensuring relevant information is always shown on screen.

Digital out-of-home (DOOH) networks and ad-based signage benefit from two new tools: Programmatic Ad Media Sync, which enables synchronized ad playback across multiple screens, and Share of Voice, which uses percentage-based scheduling to automate content distribution. Together, these upgrades empower advertisers to maximize impressions and manage campaigns with unprecedented ease.

Marshall Electronics is set to unveil the CV355-27X-ND3 Optical Zoom NDI (NDI HX2, NDI HX3) Camera. Utilizing a professional-grade 8.5-megapixel sensor, the new camera captures crisp HD video up to 1920x1080 at 60fps with support for all HD formats. The straightforward design, ease of use, and NDI capabilities make this camera a valuable tool for a variety of broadcast and Pro AV requirements.

[A Study in Flexibility]

“The CV355-27X-ND3 is designed for users who need broadcast-quality video with flexible integration into their existing workflows,” said Robert Ramos, West Coast regional sales manager, Marshall Electronics. “Its powerful zoom range and NDI compatibility provide an ideal solution for professionals working in fast-paced, live production environments.”

The CV355-27X-ND3 features a 27X optical zoom block that offers an extensive zoom range from 5.56mm to 150mm, starting at 60 degrees all the way out to 3.2 degrees horizontal angle-of-view for maintaining image crispness from ultra-wide to long telephoto shots.

The camera includes the NDI (NDI HX2, NDI HX3) video-over-IP protocol, allowing for high-quality, low-latency video to be transferred over a standard IP network. NDI preserves visual quality, frame accuracy and source synchronization. NDI also opens up a wide range of NDI Tools that are available to make this new camera easily discoverable, controllable, adjustable and consumable into NDI workflows. The camera offers the convenience of NDI HX2|HX3, 3G/HDSDI and HDMI simultaneous outputs with stereo audio embedding.

The CV355-27X-ND3 operates with low-light sensitivity, ensuring a clear picture in variable and challenging lighting conditions, including live events, indoor or outdoor sporting events, houses of worship and other dynamic lighting environments.

Palmer Digital Group unveiled its first battery-powered kiosk for retail and hospitality environments including QSRs and fast casual restaurants. The kiosk provides sustainable and portable options for indoor and outdoor environments while retaining the durability of PDG’s DC-powered kiosks and digital menu boards.

[Digital Signage Continues to Thrive]

Available in single or dual-sided configurations, PDG’s new Digital Portable Poster Stands have four screen size options (24, 32, 43 and 50-inch), long battery life, diverse color options, and a selection of portable casters to showcase products and services in any scenario. That includes retail environments such as popups, experiential activations (such as museums and exhibits), or even scheduled audience gatherings for tradeshows and live events.

The long battery life is a valuable benefit for customers, offering up to 24 hours of juice and quick-charge capability for immediate deployment. Safety and dependability are also paramount with the choice of specialized, eco-friendly batteries that offer wide temperature tolerance, low toxicity and an extended lifespan with more than 3000 charge cycles.

That battery life, along with its smooth mobility and sturdy structure, also raises opportunities for retailers to gather data on customer journeys. That application is supported through a wireless occupancy sensor built into the base of the kiosk that help businesses generate actionable insights by monitoring dwell time and passing traffic, while informing merchandising decisions. “Businesses can gather this data within a five-to-50-foot radius, and when appropriate, easily move and reposition to new strategic positions that capture the typical customer’s path through the store,” said Chuck Lewis, VP, Palmer Digital Group.

Lewis added that the ability to use different casters makes it viable for movement across standard floors inside as well as outdoor concrete or blacktop surfaces. There also the ability to quickly lock down the wheels for a more permanent or multi-day position where heavy foot traffic. The structure also supports built-in speakers for accompanying audio tracks to the visual presentations, supported through LTE mobile connectivity, Wi-Fi networks, or optional media players.

PDG will also offer customized screen options to support touch-enabled applications such as mobile ordering and wayfinding, as well as high-brightness displays (1000-3000 nits) for optimized performance in direct sunlight.

“Digital signage already creates a more than 80% recall level with customers that engage with screen content,” said Lewis. “Our new battery-powered kiosks will help a variety of brands and organizations enhance the ways they engage with their customers and audiences, while also revolutionizing their strategies for sustainability and operational efficiency.”

Sony Electronics launched its new PXW-Z300, a handheld XDCAM camcorder featuring 1/2-inch 4K 3-CMOS Exmor R sensors, the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, and a dedicated AI-processing unit. This model comes equipped with a professional lens system that includes three independent manual control rings. Ideal for a wide range of applications including news, sports, corporate, faith, events, documentary, live programming, and reality.

[Check Out the Largest LED Wall in the Middle East]

The PXW-Z300 combines enhanced image quality, a 17x optical zoom lens, and Electronic Variable ND filter, with versatile operational capabilities. In addition to high-quality 4K 60p recording, it features AI-powered subject recognition for precise autofocus performance. The camera introduces a new articulating Flexible LCD Arm for adaptable capturing styles and a Side V-Mount that allows smartphones or data transmitters to be securely attached.

The PXW-Z300 embeds digital signatures directly into video files, enabling content authentication to address the evolving needs of the content creation industry, including the growing demand for content authenticity. Its network functionality has been enhanced through improved communication device integration, which supports modern production workflows that utilize 5G and cloud technologies. This enables live streaming from shooting locations and efficient file transfer over networks.

“This latest camcorder has new enhancements, including content authenticity capabilities, that will be very beneficial for those in the news and production industry, whether they’re capturing action-packed content, breaking stories, or producing educational documentaries,” said Kento Sayama, deputy head, media degment, Imaging Solutions at Sony Electronics.

The PXW-Z300 supports various recording formats designed for a wide range of video production applications, including news footage and documentaries. It offers standard support for MXF file recording in formats adopted by the XDCAM series, such as MPEG HD422, XAVC Intra (4K/HD 4:2:2 10bit), and XAVC Long (4K 4:2:0 8bit/HD 4:2:2 10bit), as well as MP4 proxy recording in HEVC.

Daktronics has launched the DXB-1000, a next-generation digital billboard solution that redefines performance, sustainability and return on investment for the Out of Home (OOH) advertising industry.

[Check Out the Largest LED Wall in the Middle East]

Engineered with advanced surface mount technology, the DXB-1000 delivers enhanced image clarity while reducing energy consumption. It is designed to meet the growing demand for high-performance displays that are both environmentally responsible and economically smart.

“The modules we designed and developed for the DXB-1000 are now built on the out-of-home industry standard 400mm by 400mm,” explained Daktronics OOH product manager Lori Sieler. “The transition to the high-resolution DXB-1000 delivers premium image clarity while dramatically lowering energy usage and maintenance costs. This positions our customers to capture audience attention with vibrant advertisement recreation, allowing for seamless brand campaigns across many media. It provides a cost-effective way to update aging inventory with the latest high-resolution outdoor technology in an eco-conscious manner, without a full display replacement.”

The DXB-1000 is more efficient than previous models, resulting in an impressive 30% reduction in annual operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

The DXB-1000 features the latest in LED technology, optimized for shorter viewing distances without sacrificing clarity, brightness or color performance. With updated internal architecture, this model reduces power consumption while minimizing the number of components and failure points, resulting in longer operational life and lower total cost of ownership.

“This urban billboard is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-impact visuals in dense city environments where people engage with digital content up close,” Sieler explained.

Ideal for urban and wallscape applications, the DXB-1000 is tailored for advertisers who demand high-impact visuals and operational efficiency. Daktronics’ rigorous in-house testing ensures every component meets the highest durability and performance standards.

“Our customers are asking for displays that perform brilliantly and operate responsibly,” said Collin Huber, OOH market manager at Daktronics. “The DXB-1000 is built to do both, with quality you can see and savings you can measure.”

LG Electronics USA introduced a new, ultrawide (21:9), 5K UltraHD Resolution 105-inch LG CreateBoard commercial display, optimized for Microsoft Teams and Front Row, that is designed for flagship corporate environments.

[Brave New Vision]

LG CreateBoard UltraWide is designed to improve work efficiencies for corporate and educational establishments. Offering a large workspace, both visually and in practice, with a 21:9 aspect ratio (expanding on standard 16:9 LG CreateBoard interactive displays by 30 percent) for optimal collaboration, and 5K UltraHD Resolution (5120x2160 at 60Hz), it is optimized for Microsoft Teams Rooms (Front Row layout).

The new 105-inch model expands the current LG CreateBoard lineup—which includes 86-inch, 75-inch, 65-inch, and 55-inch options—creating a full suite of displays for virtually any environment, from small chat rooms and classrooms to boardrooms and beyond.

Easy to connect, share, and charge personal devices via a single USB-C connection, the new LG CreateBoard UltraWide includes a built-in MIC array and subwoofer for perfect, enriched audio. Multi-window mode enables multiple apps to share the same screen simultaneously, and the LG CreateBoard UltraWide can display two apps side by side or one above the other (split-screen mode), or one app in a small window overlaying other apps (PIP mode). For educational use, the display is the ideal digital interactive board replacement for analog board alternatives, while its ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio screen helps to improve student participation rates.

Coincident with the introduction of the new LG CreateBoard UltraWide, LG announced a collaboration with DisplayNote Technologies to integrate its Launcher Windows 10 application, designed to simplify, improve, and lock down the meeting room experience, to provide the ultimate LG CreateBoard solution for high-end corporate meeting rooms when used alongside LG’s OPS Player module.

“Our collaboration with DisplayNote and its Launcher software is going to help make our new 105-inch LG CreateBoard UltraWide the perfect corporate-friendly interactive display, and the ideal meeting solution for Microsoft Teams,” said Karl Jackson, senior manager, corporate, LG Electronics USA. “Designed to simplify and improve experiences for meeting room participants through its user-friendly interface and one-touch access to a variety of different video conferencing and presentation tools, Launcher operates perfectly within a Microsoft environment and used on the LG CreateBoard with an LG Windows OS OPS Device, it becomes a game-changer for meeting rooms.”

With DisplayNote’s Launcher software, clients can quickly and easily launch video calls, and access apps and calendars—without compromising on security. It’s the ultimate meeting room experience for hybrid and remote meetings. Launcher ensures that users can walk into their meeting spaces and immediately start video calls, or access apps and calendars, without prior training. At the end of a meeting, one touch clears every trace of content or browser history, ensuring no footprint is left behind. Launcher's intuitive design replicates the user experience of personal devices, making meeting spaces more accessible for all levels of technical proficiency.

Extron has introduced the new DTP3 IN2004 Series. These four-input scalers enhance presentations with professional-level video and audio performance. The family consists of three models: DTP3 IN2004 DI/DO (with HDMI and DTP3 inputs and outputs); DTP3 IN2004 DO (with HDMI inputs and HDMI and DTP3 outputs); and IN2004 (all HDMI inputs and outputs).

[What HDMI 2.2 Means for Pro AV]

Combining innovative video and audio processing, signal extension, and networked control, the DTP3 IN2004 Series of seamless scaling switchers are ideal for boardrooms, collaboration spaces, lecture halls, and other professional AV presentation venues. They feature Extron Vector 4K scaling technology which provides advanced video processing for the most demanding applications. Selectable scaled output rates range from 640x480 to 4K/60 at 4:4:4 color sampling. They are HDCP 2.3-compliant and loaded with professional capabilities, such as logo image keying and display, auto-switching between inputs, and selectable seamless switching transitions. Audio DSP functions such as mixing, ducking, and filtering are easily accessible to enhance sound quality. Other capabilities include built-in CEC commands and stereo audio embedding and de-embedding. For added flexibility, HDR, ultra-widescreen, high frame rate and 3D video signals are all supported in scaler bypass mode.

“The DTP3 IN2004 Series sets the bar for 4K/60 4:4:4 switching, scaling, and signal extension with uncompromised image quality and advanced features,” said Casey Hall, chief marketing officer at Extron. “By offering exceptional performance and capabilities in a single compact product, these next-generation scalers empower system designers with the core products they need to deploy flexible, efficient presentation systems.”

The DTP3 IN2004 Series incorporates multiple Extron technologies to streamline integration and enhance operation. The Vector 4K engine embodies a complete set of image processing algorithms that ensure uncompromising upscaling and downscaling performance. Transmission over Extron DTP3 ensures optimal signal integrity, regardless of the resolution. For professional-quality transitions between sources, the scalers offer a range of fade and cut switching effects. In addition, a custom graphic image, such as a company or school logo, can be inserted onto the video output. Selectable FILL and FOLLOW modes are available to set the desired video aspect ratio. FILL mode provides full screen output, while FOLLOW mode preserves the original signal’s aspect ratio. These features and capabilities are just a few of what the DTP3 IN2004 Series delivers in professional presentation environments.

ADI | Snap One unveiled the new SunBrite Solis outdoor 4K smart TV series engineered specifically for placement in direct sunlight. The series was designed to deliver enhanced image quality, better durability, and improved connectivity.

[Pro AV Takes Center Stage in Sports Bars and Live Music Venues]

“SunBrite’s new Solis TVs are a step forward in outdoor entertainment,” said Jason Winchester, SVP chief product officer. “They combine all the advanced features our integrators expect with several key innovations, including improved brightness, anti-glare screens, and enhanced durability. With Solis, customers can install outdoor TVs anywhere—even in full sunlight—without sacrificing performance or longevity. These feature advancements also come with improved price points which make the new Solis SunBrite desirable.

Combining SunBrite’s IP55-rated weatherproof durability with Eco Bright Outdoor Technology, the Solis TVs feature 1,500 nits of 4K60 brightness, ensuring clear visuals even in direct sunlight. The innovative High TNI Eco Bright Outdoor Tech improves screen performance in adverse temperatures and direct sunlight ensuring display functionality.

The Solis series offers an array of installer-friendly features that enhance the installation experience for integrators. The redesigned media bay includes brand new features like a 110V AC outlet and multiple mounting points to easily power and secure devices, enabling easy integration of AV accessories such as streaming devices and media players. The TV’s robust design accommodates versatile streaming with webOS smart interface along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and advanced integration with the OvrC Pro platform for remote monitoring, diagnostics, and system management.

“With Solis, our customers can confidently deliver high-quality outdoor viewing experiences for any environment, whether it’s a sunny patio, poolside lounge, or rooftop deck,” Winchester added. “These TVs not only meet the unique viewing requirements of every customer and the diverse needs of different regions, but also reinforce Snap One and ADI’s commitment to innovation and quality.”

Initially co-developed between Texas Instruments and Digital Projection, Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology has been around for more than 25 years. What started as a revolutionary technology designed to bring digital video to commercial movie theaters has evolved into one of the most widely adopted technologies across multiple applications. Today, DLP is a dominant force in corporate, educational, and home theater markets, delivering high-quality visuals with precision and brightness.

[Unheavenly Acoustics]

When DLP projectors were first introduced, they were based on a three-chip design. Each of the three chips was dedicated to one of the primary colors: red, green, and blue. These chips worked in conjunction, converging their outputs to produce a full-color image that was projected onto a screen using a high-powered lens system. This three-chip configuration was a game-changer in digital projection technology, delivering a new level of image quality and color accuracy.

Not long after the introduction of three-chip DLP projectors, single-chip DLP projectors emerged as a viable alternative. This advancement was possible due to the fast switching speed of DLP micromirrors. Instead of using separate chips for each color, single-chip DLP projectors sequentially displayed red, green, and blue images using a single digital micromirror device (DMD). This innovation made projectors significantly smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective while maintaining high levels of brightness and efficiency.

Unique Approach

One key factor that sets DLP apart from other projection technologies is its truly "digital" nature. Unlike Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) projectors, which rely on analog voltage modulation to control each pixel, DLP technology operates using binary digital light processing. Each micromirror on a DMD chip has only two positions, on or off, a binary approach that provides several advantages.

• Uniform image reproduction. Because each micromirror functions in an identical manner, DLP ensures consistent brightness and uniform color reproduction across the entire image. In contrast, LCD and LCOS projectors, which depend on varying voltage levels to control pixels, may suffer from slight voltage inconsistencies that cause non-uniformity or blotchy images.

• Higher native contrast ratio. The ability of DLP mirrors to tilt at extreme angles results in deeper blacks and higher contrast ratios, making it an excellent choice for home theater enthusiasts and professional applications requiring superior image quality.

• Faster response time. The rapid switching speed of DLP micromirrors minimizes motion blur, making it particularly well suited for fast-paced video content such as sports, gaming, and action-packed movies.

Over the past 25 years, DLP technology has undergone continuous refinement. One of the early challenges of DLP projection was the visibility of a "dimple" in the center of each pixel, caused by the mechanical structure of the micromirrors. Through design improvements, these dimples were minimized and eventually eliminated, resulting in increased efficiency, greater brightness, and improved contrast ratios.

Another significant advancement has been in the pixel density of DLP chips. As demand for higher resolutions has increased, DLP technology has kept pace, evolving from SD to Full HD and now to 4K resolutions.

RGB Pure Laser: The New Revolution

Improvements in color wheel technology have further elevated DLP performance. Initially, color wheels consisted of only three segments: red, green, and blue. While effective, this setup caused a "rainbow effect,” characterized by a noticeable separation of colors and artifacts in the projected image. To mitigate this issue and enhance color reproduction, manufacturers incorporated additional colors such as cyan, magenta, and yellow to the color wheel. This also resulted in brighter imaging.

One of the most significant innovations in DLP projection was the ability to create 4K images using a 2K modulator. Initially, skeptics dismissed this as "faux-K" rather than true 4K. However, DLP’s ability to rapidly switch micromirrors—at speeds of 20 millionths of a second— allowed it to create four distinct pixels from a single micromirror. This was achieved through an optical shifting technique known as a "wobulator."

When tested against traditional 4K projectors, text patterns and fine details confirmed that DLP was fully capable of resolving all pixels of a 4K image. This innovation made 4K projection more accessible and cost-effective, further solidifying DLP’s position in the market.

As technology advances, the latest evolution in DLP projection is the introduction of RGB pure laser technology in combination with single-chip DLP projectors. Traditional lamp-based projectors require color wheels or phosphor-based light sources to generate colors. While effective, these methods introduced certain limitations, such as potential color separation artifacts and mechanical noise.

With RGB pure laser projection, individual red, green, and blue lasers are used as direct light sources. As a result, RGB lasers produce more vivid, true-to-life colors, achieving nearly 100% of the Rec. 2020 color gamut—the widest color space available in consumer displays. Lasers have a much longer lifespan compared to traditional projection lamps, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing durability.

Without a spinning color wheel or high-wattage lamp, RGB laser projectors generate less heat and operate more quietly, making them ideal for home theaters and professional environments. And because RGB lasers don't rely on color wheels, the risk of color separation artifacts is completely removed. That means no more rainbows.

Looking Forward

Over the past 25 years, DLP technology has undergone remarkable advancements, making it one of the most versatile and widely adopted projection technologies available today. Looking ahead, we can expect even greater innovation. For example, as consumer demand for ultra-high-resolution content grows, we may see even more refined implementations of 8K and beyond.

Potentially, DLP could be integrated with emerging display technologies like microLED to enhance brightness and contrast. AI-enhanced image processing, based on advanced machine learning algorithms, could be used to optimize real-time image enhancement, improving clarity, sharpness, and dynamic range. Beyond projection, DLP's rapid-switching micromirrors are being adopted for other applications, including 3D printing, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems for autonomous vehicles, and advanced medical imaging.

[Short-Throw Projectors Offer Advantages in the Classroom]

With so much potential for growth, the future of DLP technology looks brighter than ever. Whether in projection systems or entirely new fields, its core principle of high-speed, high-precision light control continues to open new doors for innovation. As the demand for immersive and high-fidelity visual experiences grows, DLP is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of the industry for years to come.

Magewell introduced a new model in its Pro Convert family of compact IP conversion devices at InfoComm 2025. Winner of a SVC "Best of Show" award, the Pro Convert IP to USB combines the flexible decoding capabilities of the Pro Convert family with the plug-and-play video ingest of Magewell's USB Capture devices, Pro Convert IP to USB lets users bring an NDI, NDI HX, or streaming source into video conferencing and other types of software over a standard USB interface.

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"Many users want to bring NDI, SRT, or other streaming sources into their videoconferencing platform or other software, but the need for additional software tools was prohibitive," said Nick Ma, CEO and CTO of Magewell. "Our new Pro Convert IP to USB makes it simple, with the IP source showing up in the user's software just like a webcam. We're excited to be delivering this problem-solving solution to customers."

While direct support for NDI video connectivity technology in third-party software has grown significantly, many AV professionals have continued to find themselves unable to join the NDI ecosystem. Software solutions without native NDI integration may support it through NDI Tools, but stringent IT restrictions in many environments often preclude the installation of such utilities. The Pro Convert IP to USB hardware overcomes this issue and eliminates complexity by converting the NDI source into a USB output that software sees as easily as a webcam.

In addition to NDI High Bandwidth, NDI HX2, and NDI HX3, Pro Convert IP to USB also supports H.264 or H.265 source streams in protocols including SRT, RTMP, RTSP, RTP, UDP, and HTTP. This allows users to easily bring live network sources in any of these formats into their software. Even users of software that natively supports NDI or streaming sources can benefit from Pro Convert IP to USB, as decoding these inputs externally in the device reduces the processing burden on the host system's CPU or GPU.

Pro Convert IP to USB decodes IP video sources up to 1920x1080 resolution and can bring them into software as uncompressed video at full 60 frames per second or as MJPEG-compressed video at 30 frames per second. While 30fps is adequate for some video conferencing software, the 1080p60 capabilities of Pro Convert IP to USB flexibly support higher frame rate applications including telepresence solutions, live production software and more. Two channels of 16-bit, 48Khz audio can also be captured.

The Pro Convert IP to USB device is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Compliant with the UVC specification, it offers driver-free installation and immediate compatibility with a wide range of video conferencing (such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams), streaming and production software. The compact device is powered through its USB connection to the host computer, with no additional power source required.

Users can manage and control the Pro Convert IP to USB through an intuitive, browser-based web interface for device configuration, input selection and status monitoring. Multiple Pro Convert devices can also be centrally configured and controlled through Magewell's optional Control Hub management software.